Verizon Business, Thames Freeport, and Nokia have formed a partnership to introduce private 5G networks to vital logistics and manufacturing sites along the River Thames in the UK. This initiative is designed to facilitate long-term digital advancements in a region recognized as one of the busiest maritime logistics hubs in the country. The deployment of the private networks will encompass various technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing. These upgrades are expected to address future infrastructure demands while modernizing port and industrial operations.
The larger regional strategy aims to invigorate the local economy through research collaborations, training programs, and job creation. Thames Freeport has successfully created 1,400 jobs thus far, with a target of reaching 5,000 by 2030, focusing on attracting high-skilled positions to surrounding communities. Verizon’s private 5G network will enable multiple applications such as predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, safety monitoring, and real-time logistics management. Collaboration with Nokia involves the provision of essential hardware and software, including the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud and MX Industrial Edge platforms, which are tailored to enhance industrial settings with local processing and low-latency connectivity.
The new 5G infrastructure will be implemented at three major Thames Freeport locations: DP World London Gateway and Logistics Park, the Port of Tilbury, and Ford Dagenham. This private 5G setup will allow tenants to track cargo and monitor shipment conditions in near real-time, while also enabling automation of vehicles for more efficient routine operations. Smart sensors connected to the network will assist in monitoring emissions, air and water quality, and noise levels, facilitating environmental management. Thames Freeport and its tenants will manage the 5G network, allowing them to optimize connectivity based on specific site needs while safeguarding sensitive operational data.
Ultimately, this technology is poised to modernize port operations and foster increased collaboration among industrial users, researchers, and public sector partners within the Freeport zones.