Vertical: Ports
Application: Mobile asset tracking, tele-remote control of heavy machinery, job dispatching, safety alarms, video camera streaming
Ecosystem: Ericsson, 2degrees
Private Network: 5G
Lyttelton Port Company (LPC), the operator of the largest port on New Zealand’s South Island, has deployed a private 5G network in partnership with Ericsson and local telecommunications provider 2degrees. The network is designed to bolster safety, strengthen operational resilience, and support the port’s growing digital ambitions. LPC is a major cargo hub, having handled 434,000 containers in 2025 alongside significant bulk, cruise, and fuel operations.
The private 5G infrastructure, built on Ericsson’s enterprise wireless platform and deployed on-site by 2degrees, enables a broad range of applications across the port. These include mobile asset tracking, tele-remote control of heavy machinery and vehicles, job dispatching, safety alarm systems, and high-quality video streaming for security and safety monitoring. Rugged Ericsson Cradlepoint routers have been installed on the port’s straddle carriers, using the private 5G network as the primary connection with the 2degrees public mobile network serving as a seamless backup.
The port’s physical environment presented unique connectivity challenges that made private 5G an especially strong fit. Stacked containers create shielding effects that prevent Wi-Fi from providing reliable coverage, while the volcanic rock surrounding the port makes fibre deployment slow, costly, and often impractical. The private 5G network addresses these gaps, reaching areas that traditional wireless and wired solutions simply cannot.
LPC’s Chief Information Officer Jackie Dawson explained the motivation behind the investment: “LPC introduced private 5G to make operations safer, more reliable, and better connected. We needed stronger network performance across the port so our teams and equipment could work without interruption.” Dawson added that the deployment supports the port’s long-term digital strategy and helps run a safer, more efficient, and more resilient operation for customers and the community. She noted that LPC chose 2degrees for its trusted core network and local expertise, with Ericsson bringing a global track record in complex industrial environments such as mining and ports.
Looking ahead, LPC plans to expand the use cases supported by the private 5G network. Future applications include connecting environmental sensors for wind and stormwater monitoring, as well as supporting drone operations that feed data into AI-powered tools for inspecting containers, cranes, and pavement conditions.
Andrew Fairgray, Chief Business Officer at 2degrees, expressed hope that the Lyttelton project would encourage other organizations in New Zealand to explore private 5G. He pointed to the growing global trend of industrial enterprises turning to private 5G when they require fast data transmission, low latency, and the ability to connect many devices in business-critical operational settings. Fairgray described private 5G networks as the gold standard for critical applications across factories, warehouses, airports, mining operations, and ports, noting that they deliver dedicated connectivity, performance, and data privacy.
Ian Ross, Head of Private Networks at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, described private 5G as foundational infrastructure for modern industrial environments. He noted that by delivering ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity throughout a port, operators like LPC can achieve significant improvements in digitalization, asset visibility, and operational efficiency. Ross said the 5G connectivity would enable streamlined workflows, enhanced worker safety, improved security, and optimized movement of goods – ultimately leading to lower costs, faster turnaround times, and a more resilient supply chain.
