Back in July 2024, I wrote about the Port of Tyne's site-wide 4G and 5G private network, deployed in partnership with BT and Ericsson. At the time, the network itself was already live, but much of the interest was around what it could enable in the future.
The initial use cases included automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to securely manage and track vehicle access, along with 5G-enabled cameras and AI-based software for automated container inspection. Looking further ahead, the port had identified opportunities around autonomous vehicles, remote crane operations, connected drones, wearable technology, XR and a wider ecosystem of AI sensors, video and data sources.
More than a year later, Ericsson has provided an interesting update showing how the network is actually being used in day-to-day port operations.
The distinction is important. The private networks industry has no shortage of deployment announcements, proofs of concept and lists of potential future use cases. What is often harder to find is information about what happens after the network has been installed and the initial excitement has passed.
Port of Tyne provides a useful example of that next stage.
The port covers around 620 acres across both sides of the River Tyne and includes more than 3 km of berths. It is a challenging environment for connectivity, with vehicles, machinery, cameras and other connected equipment constantly moving around. Operational layouts can change several times a year, making fixed cabling expensive and inflexible.
The private network uses BT spectrum together with Ericsson's on-site core and radio infrastructure. It supports both 4G and 5G, allowing the port to connect existing devices while also introducing newer 5G-enabled applications.
Over the past year, the network has been supporting a much wider range of operational use cases. These include live container scanning, personal protective equipment monitoring, restricted-area detection, road-condition analysis, emissions monitoring and high-security access control using cameras and sensors.
One of the more interesting examples involves vehicle-mounted cameras connected to an AI engine. As vehicles move around the site, the cameras can help identify defects in the road surface before they develop into more serious problems.
This is a good example of private connectivity, video and AI working together as part of a practical industrial application rather than as separate technology demonstrations.
Drones are also being used for stock control and infrastructure inspection. Again, the value of a private cellular network becomes easier to understand when devices need to move over a large industrial site while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Another particularly interesting development is the port's work with Caterpillar to connect its CatCommand system. This can enable remote-controlled shovels and reduce the need for workers to enter hazardous ship holds.
It is worth being slightly careful with the wording here. Ericsson says the port is working with Caterpillar to connect the CatCommand system, so this appears to be an emerging use case rather than necessarily a fully mature, port-wide production deployment. Nevertheless, it is exactly the kind of application that shows why industrial private networks can be valuable.
Remote operation is not simply about replacing a cable with a wireless connection. The network needs to provide predictable performance while machinery is moving and while video and control information are being exchanged in real time. In hazardous environments, there can also be a significant safety benefit if people can operate equipment without physically entering the dangerous area.
The overall story is therefore quite different from the one I wrote about in 2024.
At that time, the focus was largely on the connectivity platform and the applications it could enable. The latest update shows the network becoming part of the operational environment, supporting video analytics, AI, sensors, drones, connected machinery and safety-related applications.
After a full year of operation, the private network is now providing real-time visibility across the site and helping teams use live data to support operational and safety decisions.
This is probably the most important takeaway from the deployment. A private 5G network is not valuable simply because it provides 5G coverage. Its value comes from becoming a dependable connectivity platform on top of which an organisation can introduce and expand operational applications.
The Port of Tyne example also demonstrates why ports continue to be one of the more compelling verticals for private networks. They combine large outdoor areas, constantly moving vehicles and equipment, video-intensive applications, safety-critical operations and frequently changing environments.
Wi-Fi, public mobile networks and fixed connectivity all have a role, but there are situations where a dedicated cellular network can provide a more consistent foundation for mobile and industrial applications.
There is one thing still missing from the latest update: hard numbers. Ericsson refers to strong operational gains, but does not provide detailed figures for productivity improvements, cost savings, reduction in incidents, network performance or return on investment. Those figures would help provide an even clearer picture of the business value of the deployment.
Nevertheless, the progression itself is encouraging. The story has moved beyond a list of possible future use cases to a growing set of applications supporting real operations.
The Ericsson video below provides a good overview of the deployment and how the private network is being used across the port.
Related Posts:
- Private Networks Technology Blog: Private Wireless Networks Are Becoming Essential for Modern Ports
- Private Networks Technology Blog: Port of Tyne's 4G/5G Private Network
- Private Networks Technology Blog: The Use of Mobile Private Networks (MPNs) in Ports
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