19 December 2025
Port of Tyne, a major deep-sea gateway in the UK, has reported significant operational improvements following the deployment of Ericsson Private 5G technology.
The private network, leveraging BT spectrum alongside Ericsson’s on-site core and radio infrastructure, has enhanced daily operations by providing reliable, real-time connectivity across the port’s extensive 620-acre site, which includes over 3km of berth space for mooring vessels.
Covering both sides of the River Tyne, the port relies heavily on connected vehicles, machinery, and video-driven processes. Traditional wireless solutions fell short in delivering the reliability and scalability required in this dynamic environment, where costly cabling is impractical and operational layouts frequently change. With Ericsson Private 5G in place, the port has been able to confidently run mobility and safety-critical applications, significantly boosting performance.
Over the past year, the network has supported a wide range of uses, including live container scanning, monitoring of personnel safety equipment, restricted-area detection, road condition assessments, emission monitoring, and high-security access via video and sensors. Vehicle-mounted cameras connected to AI engines assist teams in identifying road defects early, while drones are employed for stock control and infrastructure inspections. The port is also collaborating with Caterpillar to connect the CatCommand system, enabling remote-controlled shovels that minimize workers’ exposure to hazardous environments like ship holds.
“After a full year of operating on private 5G, we’ve seen firsthand how reliable wireless connectivity strengthens our day-to-day operations. From safety-critical activities to logistical processes, the network provides consistent, real-time visibility across our entire site. It’s helping our teams work more safely and make better decisions with live data, moving us closer to becoming one of the UK’s smartest and greenest ports,” said Tamsin Warren, Head of Technology and Transformation at Port of Tyne.
“Over the past year, Ericsson’s private 5G network has delivered the performance Port of Tyne needs in a constantly changing environment. By combining BT spectrum with Ericsson’s dual 4G and 5G infrastructure, the port has a dependable platform to support current technologies and future innovations,” said Brian Jackson, Director of Surveillance & Smart Solutions at BT.
“Port of Tyne is demonstrating how private 5G can support complex industrial operations that depend on mobility, safety, and real-time visibility. The results from the first year showcase what a wireless network with low latency, high security, and support for high mobility can achieve — laying the foundation for ongoing digital transformation across the port,” said Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G at Ericsson.
Looking ahead, Port of Tyne plans to expand its digital ecosystem, leveraging the high-performance wireless connectivity to enhance safety, operational awareness, and future technological advancements.
