Vertical: Ports
Application: Port operations, freight management, vehicle/crane connectivity, safety systems
Ecosystem: Tū Ātea, Mavenir
Private Network: 5G
New Zealand’s port operations are entering a new chapter with CentrePort Wellington’s adoption of private 5G technology. The port operator has partnered with Māori-owned telecommunications provider Tū Ātea to deploy a dedicated wireless network that promises to enhance operational efficiency and worker safety across its facilities.
The network implementation, scheduled for completion in Q3 2025, will initially support dozens of tablets in vehicles and cranes, facilitating the management of four million ton of annual freight. High-power radio transceivers and antennas mounted on existing light poles will connect to Tū Ātea’s cloud-based Converged Packet Core through a fiber infrastructure.
A distinguishing feature of this deployment is its network slicing capability, which enables CentrePort to create multiple virtual networks tailored to specific operational needs. This functionality proves particularly valuable in a port environment where reliable communication faces challenges from large vessels and stacked containers that can obstruct radio signals.
“Coverage can be tricky due to large ships and container stacks blocking radio signals. This Private 5G network will be optimised to overcome that and will underpin converged smart network features we are planning,” said Anthony Delaney, CEO, CentrePort.
The project represents a significant milestone for Tū Ātea, which has evolved from the Interim Māori Spectrum Commission. Working alongside technology partner Mavenir, the company brings technical expertise and dedicated spectrum resources to address enterprise connectivity needs. Their approach demonstrates how private 5G networks can support industrial innovation while ensuring benefits extend throughout New Zealand’s business community.
