Zeebrugge is one of the world’s busiest ports, with 45.8 million tons of goods transshipped through its docks last year, and this week Nokia has announced the completion of the first phase of a 5G-ready, industrial-grade private wireless network for the port.
By implementing the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (opens in new tab) platform Zeebrugge hopes to streamline the logistical challenge of moving and tracking almost one million tons of goods each week. And the new platform will provide private wireless connectivity to more than 100 endpoints across the entire port operations.
“Introduction of an advanced private wireless network will act as a beacon for our partners to develop and deliver new solutions right across the logistics value chain,” said Rick Goetinck, CEO, Port of Zeebrugge. “Nokia, in close collaboration with local service provider Citymesh, has demonstrated outstanding 5G capabilities during platform deployment, making phase one a complete success.”
Bringing high performance
"By deploying a Nokia 5G-ready digital automation platform with a private wireless network, the Port of Zeebrugge brings high-performance connectivity and digitalization."
Stephan Litjens, Nokia.
The network is now being used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, security cameras and quay sensors. And this partnership will enable Zeebrugge to deliver a range of new and enhanced 5G use cases to improve the port’s operational performance, and also showcase Zeebrugge as a leader in port transformation and digitalization.
“By deploying a Nokia 5G-ready digital automation platform with a private wireless network, the Port of Zeebrugge brings high-performance connectivity and digitalization to enhance safety, accelerate innovation, enable advanced applications and deliver new levels of logistics performance,” explained Stephan Litjens, General Manager, Nokia Digital Automation.
Once the project is completed, Zeebrugge will be able to track, analyze and manage connected devices across multiple port-based applications in real time.
“The Port of Zeebrugge is an ultra-modern logistics center that serves European and intercontinental markets, and our investment in hyper fast connectivity can only improve the competitive position of our port,” concluded Goetinck.
