Verizon’s private 5G platform, delivered in partnership with Nokia, will be used to replace current infrastructure with a dedicated edge compute framework that enables ultra-low latency, higher levels of security and deeper customisation.
It will be activated across selected areas within the east and west docks of the port, consolidating data communications onto a single 5G wireless data network and reducing previous complexity.
"Verizon’s private 5G is the foundation for a completely dedicated edge compute infrastructure, enabling ultra-low latency at the premise, higher levels of security and deeper customisation for our partners,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business.
“Businesses such as ABP, are coming under more pressure to evolve their services at tremendous speeds in order to take advantage of new commercial opportunities. Along with Nokia, we have been able to equip ABP to take advantage of the immediate benefits private 5G offers, and most importantly prepare the Port of Southampton to take full advantage of new technology applications and real-time analytics which will digitally transform its services in the future.”
The Port of Southampton is one of 21 ports operated by ABP and is the UK’s number one port for cars and cruise, handling approximately 900,000 cars and welcoming millions of cruise passengers annually. It is also responsible for handling £40 billion in exports every year.
Henrik L. Pedersen, ABP's CEO, said: “Building flexible and resilient technology platforms to meet our customers’ needs is a key element of our strategy, and becoming the first mainland port operator in the UK to offer a private 5G network to our customers is a fantastic milestone for ABP.
“We would like to thank our partners for enabling this project, which will equip our port in Southampton with the state-of-the-art infrastructure needed to be at the forefront of the digital revolution in the maritime industry.”
That revolution has certainly gained pace in recent months.
As Capacity reported in January, the Port of Felixstowe has been selected to host a 5G trial buy the British government. The £3.4 million project involves Three UK, Cambridge University, Blue Mesh Solutions, Ericsson and Siemens. Over in France, Orange went live with 5G coverage at the port area of Le Havre, France, in March, making it the first major French seaport to have access to 5G based on the 3.5GHz mobile technology.
