Vertical: Seaports
Application: Improved port operations
Ecosystem: Ericsson
Private Network: 5G
Singtel and Ericsson are partnering to deploy advanced 5G connectivity at Singapore’s Tuas Port, supporting PSA Singapore’s vision of building the world’s largest fully automated port facility by the 2040s. The ambitious project aims to nearly double the port’s annual handling capacity to 65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
At the heart of this initiative is Singtel’s deployment of network slicing technology, creating dedicated 5G resources for mission-critical port operations. This enables high-speed, low-latency communications essential for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and remote-controlled cranes to operate with precision around the clock.
“5G’s high speeds and low latency help to improve real-time communication and data transfer which enables highly efficient port operations,” said Ng Tian Chong, CEO Singtel Singapore. The upgrade will enhance real-time shipment tracking and streamline crane operations, allowing seamless cargo transportation between berth and ships.
Starting in 2025, the port’s driverless AGVs will leverage this enhanced connectivity to independently transport containers, optimizing yard operations and reducing labor costs. The project also incorporates private networks tailored to the port’s security requirements, helping protect against data breaches and unauthorized access.
PSA plans to explore additional 5G applications, including drone-based surveillance and extended reality solutions for predictive maintenance. These innovations will help detect potential issues early, improving efficiency and reducing costly downtime at one of the world’s busiest ports, which handled 34.1 million TEUs as of October 2024.
