Three Group Solutions has successfully completed the deployment of a comprehensive private 5G network across Hutchison Ports’ key UK ports—Felixstowe, Harwich International, and Thamesport—forming one of the country’s most advanced industrial connectivity platforms.
This cutting-edge network delivers ultra-reliable, high-capacity, low-latency connectivity essential for supporting large-scale port automation and digital transformation initiatives.
The new 5G infrastructure enables seamless operation of autonomous trucks, remote-controlled cranes, and data-intensive applications, significantly boosting efficiency, safety, and sustainability at these critical transport hubs. As the UK’s largest container port, Felixstowe’s digital upgrade, combined with Harwich International and Thamesport’s integration, enhances resilience and operational performance across the entire port complex.
Implementing mission-critical connectivity in a live port environment required a meticulous, phased approach. Three Group Solutions designed and built the new 5G network to run concurrently with the existing 4G system, utilizing separate spectrum blocks to prevent interference. This staged migration allowed port assets—vehicles and machinery—to transition smoothly without disrupting daily operations, with continuous performance monitoring and optimization.
Graham Wilde, Head of Private Networks at Three Group Solutions, explained: “When dealing with the connectivity that keeps the country’s largest port moving, you can’t simply switch networks off and on. Running 4G and 5G side by side in stages ensured a seamless transition without any operational downtime.”
A key motivation for upgrading is Hutchison Ports’ ambitious plan to introduce autonomous, electric trucks at Felixstowe, replacing a significant portion of diesel-powered vehicles. These autonomous vehicles require persistent, low-latency connectivity for safe remote operation, along with high bandwidth for multiple live video feeds used for detailed inspections.
While the existing 4G system reliably delivered work instructions to tablets, it was not designed to meet the demands of these new autonomous systems. The private 5G network provides the performance, predictability, and capacity needed for the next era of port automation. Wilde noted, “Automation isn’t about replacing jobs but transforming them—making roles safer, more engaging, and attracting new talent.”
Working with select technology partners, Three Group Solutions built a resilient, scalable 5G architecture featuring dual cores, overlapping coverage, and diverse links among the three ports. The network integrates within Hutchison Ports’ cybersecurity perimeter and is engineered to maintain operations even if individual sites or towers require maintenance or face faults.
Beyond autonomous transport, the network’s flexible design opens possibilities for a broad range of future applications, including remote control of additional machinery, deployment of sensors for predictive maintenance, drone-based inspections, environmental monitoring, and real-time video analytics integrated into digital twins of port operations. Wilde concluded, “The capabilities of this new network mean that the only real limit is imagination. Felixstowe, Harwich, and Thamesport now have a robust foundation for innovation over the next decade.”
He added, “This project demonstrates how private 5G, delivered and managed by Three Group Solutions, can deliver resilience, performance, and flexibility at industrial scale. We look forward to supporting Hutchison Ports’ continued growth and innovation in the UK and beyond.”
