From bottlenecks to breakthroughs: How Private 5G is transforming port operations

Overview of port with ship docked and freight train present

United Kingdom, Apr 10, 2025

From smart factories to hyper-efficient ports of industry, Private 5G (P5G) is rapidly transforming an array of industries

Authored by Frank Rubotham

By unlocking new levels of automation, security, and connectivity. Unlike public 5G, P5G gives businesses full control over their networks, allowing them to customise their connectivity for mission-critical applications, while tightening any necessary security measures.

It could be argued that the initial implementation costs for P5G are higher than traditional Wi-Fi. However, the counter to that view is that the long-term benefits - such as reduced maintenance, lower power consumption and improved security - are proven to result in a positive return on investment.

Additionally, the low latency and increased bandwidth delivered by P5G can facilitate the highly data-intensive applications emerging in the business world at large, including AR/VR, video surveillance, increased automation and remote maintenance. Industries and businesses across the world are benefitting from using these new technologies to optimise complex logistical and security operations.

The application of these new technologies requires a strong network backbone, like P5G, to stay valuable over time. One notable sector making inroads when it comes to securely automating machinery-based projects is maritime, particularly in ports, writes Frank Rubotham, Head of Solution Specialists at Logicalis UK&I.

P5G for port infrastructure

Image
Cargo ship docked in port

 

As critical assets of national infrastructure, ports contain an array of heavy and sensitive machinery, such as automated gantry cranes for container handling, vessel traffic management systems to coordinate ship movements and X-ray scanners for cargo security.

These complex operations are under increasing pressure to integrate smart wireless technologies into processes for long-term data innovation and sustainability. Meanwhile, physical and cyber security threats continue to rise, with ports increasingly targeted by ransomware and critical infrastructure attacks. This calls for robust protocols and international cooperation to properly safeguard ports and their supply chains.

Enhancing connectivity and security through a P5G network can be a driver to revolutionise the automation of port operations. It allows for seamless data management, precise machine coordination and improved oversight of critical assets essential for modernising port operations.

As well as increasing visibility, establishing and evolving smart port infrastructure - underpinned by P5G - goes a long way in cutting costs as energy prices rise.

Bringing P5G into ports needs to be carried out without disrupting the strict schedules that ports need to stick with, to the second. Once up and running, P5G can minimise critical congestion delays that can arise during cargo delivery and reduce wait times in the transport and supply chain.

With P5G, operators can benefit from low latency and highly secure connectivity, right across an entire port. This involves less cabling and hardware, as well as using lower levels of electrical power.

Setting the groundwork

For any digitalisation project that aims to improve efficiency, the very first place you need to start is with the network. This serves as the backbone of any automation plans undertaken by port operators. However, port environments are not the easiest places to deploy networks due to the sprawl of heavy machinery operating in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.

This needs to be done gradually, and it makes sense to use the existing infrastructure. That way, there’s less risk of downtime in docking areas, storage zones, and masts, plus it avoids the hassle and cost of building new infrastructure from scratch.

Managing the expected time frame at the outset is a crucial aspect of making the implementation of P5G as smooth as possible - especially when overhauling port operations. This involves ensuring that high-level organisational goals are properly aligned with the project.

After all, if the backbone of the network doesn’t meet the expectations of key stakeholders, expectations and advancement will be limited. Without stakeholder buy-in, even the most advanced P5G implementation can stall. This is why aligning network capabilities with the goals of the business from the outset is vital to ensuring long-term adoption and return on investment.

As ports ramp up their digital transformation they’re not just becoming more efficient, they’re also expanding their attack surface. Every new connected system, sensor or autonomous asset introduces a potential vulnerability. That’s why aligning cybersecurity with automation strategies isn’t optional; it’s essential.

P5G plays a vital role in bridging this gap by offering control over who and what accesses the network and ensuring secure data flows across every layer of port infrastructure.

Bolstering connectivity and automation

Image
Man working on laptop in storage facility with hard hat on

 

With so many areas of responsibility for port operations - from cargo and traffic management to weather condition monitoring and communications - non-stop connectivity is paramount. Automation is needed in these environments to bolster efficiency and reduce strain on staff

It also plays a vital role in enhancing safety. By leveraging the location intelligence within P5G networks and integrating with ‘Man Down’ solutions, port operators can instantly detect when a worker is in distress and trigger an immediate response. In high-risk, fast-moving environments, this real-time visibility can be life-saving, ensuring that the people keeping port operations moving are protected just as effectively as the assets and infrastructure around them.

However, the sheer volume of data needed to feed these safety solutions and automate operations adds to an already quite complex model of operations, making reliable, high-speed network connectivity essential.

Implementing P5G can go a long way in helping overcome the pitfalls brought by other networking technologies. These include loss of connection as machinery goes across Wi-Fi access points, latency and downtime during connection losses and the need to deploy miles of cables to ensure port-wide coverage.

By nature, port business operations are sensitive and require full network control. However, this is not possible when relying on public networks that remain prone to outages and congestion that can bring services to a catastrophic standstill.

Conversely, a fully private 5G network can customise what needs to be automated, as well as increase capacity and offer full control over network and data access. Giving increased and tailored security control back to the operator.

P5G will not only solve current issues but also future-proof the operations for growth in line with any evolving needs of stakeholders and users of the port. Any maritime applications that Wi-Fi is unable to support now can be established over time, with the P5G network able to grow with those new use requirements.

Long-term efficiency and security

While taking time to implement through a gradual approach, a P5G network set-up is the ticket towards a more efficient and secure future. The network can mitigate against evolving stakeholder needs and any physical and cyber threats that persist in targeting industrial hubs.

In addition, network performance can be boosted by eradicating the extra cabling and hardware that comes with more manual technologies.

Partnering with an experienced digital services provider can stop the costs involved in overhauling network and application management from spiralling. There is also the benefit of drawing on a wealth of sector-specific and technical knowledge to guide decision-makers through previously uncharted territory.

By having such a partnership in place, planning for secure automation with P5G can be aligned with business goals from day one, helping to minimise any missteps and the risk of failure that is so prevalent with 5G projects in general.

--

Image
Frank Rubotham

 

Frank Rubotham

Head of Solution Specialists

Logicalis UK and Ireland

Head of solution specialists at Logicalis UKI, Frank is leading the expansion and growth of Private 5G across the region along with a team of 5G architects and radio specialists.

Over 30 years of experience in the ICT industry – having held senior management positions across technical, commercial and business areas both in Ireland and the UK – Frank has been responsible for the delivery of large-scale, complex technology and service projects and has been recognised as an innovation leader with several industry awards for product and solution design.

Frank joined Logicalis UKI from eir Business, where he served as a member of the senior management team and was responsible for the company’s outsourcing and managed service contracts. Prior to that, he managed eir’s client relationships in the public and private sectors, having moved from the aviation division to the financial services sector.

Earlier in his career, Frank worked for BT in the UK and is a graduate of TUD Ireland.

Topic

Related Insights