In collaboration with Deutsche Telekom, container terminal operator EUROGATE has commissioned the establishment of three 5G campus networks in the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.
The campus networks aim to revolutionise the efficiency and flexibility of digital logistics applications within container terminals, setting new standards in the maritime industry.
The 5G campus network, known as ‘Campus network L,’ is set to usher in a new era of connectivity for EUROGATE. This cutting-edge solution promises exceptional mobile coverage across the container terminals—underpinned by exclusive bandwidth, high availability, and the performance capabilities of 5G.
By leveraging its own 5G industrial frequencies within the 3.7-3.8 GHz range, EUROGATE can further digitise handling processes and the seamless integration of control and process control systems.
The official launch of this transformative project took place at a kick-off event hosted at the Port of Hamburg and is funded by the ‘Port-As-A-Service’ project, a venture supported by the German Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport.
Port-as-a-Service focuses on fostering innovation within Logistics 4.0 by creating dedicated test spaces for digital advancements within port operations. By connecting control systems, automating container handling, and integrating autonomous trucks, EUROGATE aims to harness the potential of 5G technology to streamline operations and improve overall competitiveness.
Deutsche Telekom will provide comprehensive coverage across EUROGATE’s sprawling container terminals, encompassing an area of 5.6 million square meters across the three sites. What sets this endeavour apart is the utilisation of existing light poles as support structures for 5G antennas, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure.
Hagen Rickmann, Managing Director in the Business Customers division of Telekom Deutschland, said:
“The 5G coverage of EUROGATE’s container terminals is one of our largest campus network projects to date. It will enable EUROGATE to leverage the full potential of 5G to further optimise logistics processes and drive the digital transformation of port terminals.
In addition to high-performance 5G connectivity and exclusive bandwidth, the network architecture of the three campus networks will offer a particularly high level of control over critical data traffic on the terminal site in the future.”
The implementation of dual-slice campus networks at each terminal will provide EUROGATE with unparalleled network control and resource allocation. By leveraging the local 5G industrial spectrum, EUROGATE’s internal data traffic will remain unaffected by public network usage, ensuring reliability and data security.
The collaboration also introduces a novel network architecture. EUROGATE will benefit from a virtualised and dedicated campus core network, delivering enhanced technical flexibility and reduced infrastructure costs. This innovative approach, dubbed ‘Control and User Plane Separation,’ guarantees maximum security while optimising data latency and efficiency.
Michael Blach, Chairman of the EUROGATE Group Management Board, commented:
“An efficient and reliable technical infrastructure is the basis for making container handling at our terminals even more efficient and securing our competitiveness in the long term.
Deutsche Telekom’s 5G Campus networks will provide us with the best conditions for further automating our processes and testing innovative logistics solutions based on 5G.”
By spring 2024, EUROGATE’s ports will aim to stand as a shining example of the potential of 5G technology in revolutionising port logistics. This partnership with Deutsche Telekom underscores EUROGATE’s commitment to shaping the future of maritime operations.
(Image Credit: Deutsche Telekom)
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