Port of Zeebrugge accelerates innovation by investing in 5G network
The Port of Zeebrugge is to invest in a superfast critical communication network. 5G is the key technology that will be revolutionary, especially for industrial uses. The private 5G network in the Port of Zeebrugge will be the accelerator for innovation in and around the port, the company said in its release.
The port of Zeebrugge is an ultramodern logistics platform completely at the service of the European and intercontinental markets. The hyperfast reliable connectivity bubble will attribute to the competitive position of the port, the private companies, involved governments, associated interest groups and organizations.
The 5G network delivers efficient, fast and optimal connectivity. The network’s brain is located in the port’s datacenter. This keeps all data safe within the port authority’s own network and makes it independent from external influences.
In the first phase, the data network will be used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, camera’s and quay sensors. For the new sealock, which is to be constructed in the near future, the high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity will prove to be an asset.
5G will be deployed at port companies for dispatching, connectivity with straddle carriers, track and trace systems and critical group communication.
The first external users of this network have already signed up. They will utilize the Port of Zeebrugge’s 5G network for communication during the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms.
The rollout of this 5G network will speed up the innovation and automation in the port. This platform will be an accelerator for IoT, autonomous vessels, augmented reality (AR) and drones.
Phase one, which will be operational by the end of this year, sets course for the use of the 5G network in Zeebrugge’s outer port. The second phase will include the inner port and will be implemented mid 2020.
The Port of Zeebrugge has partnered with Citymesh. Citymesh will deliver the end to end support and provide the commercial exploitation of the network. Citymesh hereby strengthens its position on the 5G market, where they, as the only operator, establish private 5G networks in close cooperation with technology partner Nokia.
About Citymesh
Citymesh specializes in the development and management of large-scale wireless networks based on a wide range of technologies. In addition to its extensive Wi-Fi & IoT expertise, the company is the only recognized Belgian operator with a 5G license.
Within the rapidly growing market of business critical communication, Citymesh builds unique private 5G networks to support automation in (air)ports, healthcare, warehouses, logistics and other industrial sectors. In addition to rolling out an infrastructure on behalf of the customer, Citymesh invests in the roll-out of its own networks in niche markets such as offshore wind, in-air drone communication and smart-city 5G.
About the Port of Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge, the seaport of Bruges, is one of the world’s foremost roll-on/roll-off ports, where nearly 40 million tons of goods are transshipped annually. The coastal port is also a container port. The offering of both intra-European and intercontinental services is what makes Zeebrugge such an important access port to the European markets.
Zeebrugge also focuses on the transshipment of conventional cargo, liquefied natural gas, cruises and – not in the least – the handling of new cars and “high and heavy” loads. Handling 2.8 million units on an annual basis, the coastal port is one of the main car-handling ports in the world. The coastal port is also developing as a food cluster. As a non-industrial or “clean” port, Zeebrugge is the ideal location for combining perishable food cargoes.
The port also offers almost 20 intra-European ferry services to destinations in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, the Baltic region, Russia and Southern Europe. The extensive range of ferry services and intercontinental container services, together with an inland waterway, railway and road network, make Zeebrugge an ideal location to establish distribution centres. Zeebrugge is therefore more than just a maritime crossroads; the North Sea port has grown into an ultramodern logistics platform completely at the service of the European and intercontinental markets.