The use of Vodafone's 5G network will allow the Port of Aveiro to monitor and manage its load in real time, through digital replication solutions and virtual reality and augmented reality applications and devices.
These technological innovations, which are being implemented in partnership with Ericsson and used by port operators, will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of activities and improving the efficiency, safety and profitability of operations.
This project consists of a proof of concept for Cargo Management that, based on a state-of-the-art 5G private network, dedicated logistics software and high definition cameras, began to be implemented in May in one of the warehouses of the Multipurpose Terminal of the Port of Aveiro and will allow substantial advances to port operators in the location, movement and storage of cargo in what is one of the five largest ports in the country.
The solution developed by Ericsson is based on technologies studied and tested as part of the Corealis project for ports, within the scope of the European Horizon 2020 program. This solution has been widely recognized at several international events in the sector for its positive impact on sustainability, energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. It is based on a dedicated 5G Stand Alone Core and integrates 5G sensors with a series of innovative software applications which, running on Vodafone's 5G network, allow a complete, efficient and sustainable operation of the port terminal.
On the one hand, through a dedicated application, operators can identify, in real time, the position of all cargo in a designated area of the terminal. Additionally, using an Expert System and tablets with augmented reality, they will be able to guide freight loading and storage operations. A third innovation is the provision of a digital twin, a real-time replica of the terminal built with information collected from the load, the load plan, the freights and the vehicles. In addition to using a specialized logistical algorithm to organize and position freight, with virtual reality glasses it will be possible to simulate a complete load operation, verifying freight and its position and defining the best strategy for the operation.
This use case will put the characteristics of the 5G network - high transmission speed, high data processing capacity, low latency and high reliability and security - at the service of the efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of one of the main Portuguese seaports. Upon completion of the project, a report follows with the conclusions of the added benefits of using this solution.
Henrique Fonseca, Administrator responsible for the Corporate Business Unit at Vodafone Portugal
The solution installed in the Port of Aveiro will allow those who are at the forefront of Portuguese exports every day to perceive the real advantages of a 5G network. powerful, reliable and flexible like Vodafone. By streamlining its tasks and allowing it to expand its activity, our network makes a clear contribution to one of the nerve centers of the national economy, opening the way for other operators that want to implement differentiated solutions.
Gema Brea Ibáñez de Gauna, Sales Director at Ericsson
Ports and shipping are vital for the smooth functioning of a global economy. The digital transformation of this industry represents a unique opportunity for Portugal, and private 5G networks will allow it to accelerate. Thanks to Ericsson's most innovative solutions and Vodafone's 5G network, the Port of Aveiro will become one of the most modern in the country, with fast, secure and reliable mobile connectivity opening up new possibilities to be a precursor to a sustainable future.
