22 - 26 June 2026: Find out more
BUILD YOUR OWN
RESOURCE LIBRARY
Opinions
Smart lighting: enabling smart cities beyond illuminationSponsored by Paradox Engineering
How AI and biometrics are shaping next-generation mobility paymentsSponsored by ST Engineering
Port of Tyne reports operational gains with 5G network
Private 5G solution supports real-time analytics, sensors, and connected equipment across the dynamic environment at one of the UK’s key deep-sea gateways.
At a glance
Who: Port of Tyne; BT; and Ericsson.
What: The port in northeast England is reporting strong operational gains after using its Ericsson Private 5G network, which uses BT spectrum and Ericsson’s on-site core and radio infrastructure.
Why: The port requires consistent connectivity for real-time applications across a complex site that spans 620 acres and supports operations across more than 3km of berths. It depends on connected vehicles, machinery, and video-driven processes and traditional wireless technologies were not able to offer the reliability or scale needed for this environment.
When: The network has been operational for several years and Port of Tyne is reporting specific operational gains over the past year.
Port of Tyne in northeast England, which is one of the UK’s key deep-sea gateways, is reporting it has made significant operational gains after adopting an Ericsson Private 5G network for several years.
With Ericsson Private 5G in place, the port said it has been able to run mobility-led and safety-focused applications with greater confidence in performance.
Consistent connectivity for real-time applications
The network, which uses BT spectrum and Ericsson’s on-site core and radio infrastructure, has supported daily operations by providing consistent connectivity for real-time applications across a complex site that spans 620 acres and supports operations across more than 3km of berths (dock space for mooring vessels).
The port operates across both sides of the River Tyne and depends on connected vehicles, machinery, and video-driven processes. Traditional wireless technologies were not able to offer the reliability or scale needed for this environment, where cabling is costly and operational layouts change several times per year.
“From safety-critical activities to logistical environments, the network has given us consistent, real-time visibility across our whole site”
“After a full year of operating on private 5G, we’ve seen firsthand how reliable wireless connectivity strengthens our day-to-day operations,” said Tamsin Warren, head of technology and transformation at Port of Tyne. “From safety-critical activities to logistical environments, the network has given us consistent, real-time visibility across our whole site. It’s helping our teams to work more safely and make better decisions with the live data to move us forward to becoming one of the UK’s smartest and greenest ports.”
Over the past year, the network has supported a broad set of uses, including live container scanning, PPE (person protective equipment) monitoring, restricted-area detection, road-condition analysis, emission monitoring, and high-security access control using video and sensors. Vehicle-mounted cameras, connected to an AI engine, help teams identify road defects before they grow. Drones are used for stock control and infrastructure inspection.
Read More
The port is also working with Caterpillar to connect the CatCommand system, enabling remote-controlled shovels that reduce the need for workers to enter hazardous ship holds.
“Over the past year, Ericsson’s private 5G network has delivered the performance Port of Tyne needs in an environment that changes constantly,” said Brian Jackson, director surveillance and smart solutions, BT. “By combining BT spectrum with Ericsson’s dual 4G and 5G infrastructure, the port has a dependable platform for the technologies it relies on today, as well as those it plans to adopt in the future.”
Manish Tiwari, head of enterprise 5G, Ericsson, said: “Port of Tyne is demonstrating how private 5G can support complex industrial operations that depend on mobility, safety, and real-time visibility. The results from the first year demonstrate what a wireless network with predictable low latency, strong security, and support for high mobility can unlock – laying the groundwork for continued digital development across the port.”
Port of Tyne will continue to expand its use of digital tools supported by high-performance wireless connectivity. The private network is helping the organisation strengthen safety, improve operational awareness, and plan for future innovation.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
How does Ericsson Private 5G improve real-time visibility at Port of Tyne?What operational gains result from using private 5G in port logistics?How do connected vehicles enhance safety with 5G at the port?In what ways does 5G support remote-controlled machinery like CatCommand?How does private 5G enable effective emission and road-condition monitoring?
Latest City Profile
Latest Urban Exchange Podcast
Latest Special Report
SmartCitiesWorld Newsletters (Daily/Weekly)
You may also like these related articles...
BECOME A MEMBER
© 2025 SmartCitiesWorld
Smart Cities World Ltd, 27 Clements Lane, London, EC4N 7AE