Smart ports: At the gateway to a new shipping age

At Ericsson, we’re using the power of cellular to transform ports into more productive and sustainable transport hubs. These digitally connected harbors of the future will be able to seamlessly connect millions of shipments and track goods more efficiently and securely.

Forging more agile ports with cellular

Ports are currently facing many efficiency challenges. When surveyed, most terminal operators believe streamlining terminal and yard operations are the key issues to be tackled.

Inefficiency here can have a knock-on effect. Vessels waiting too long for port pilots to maneuver the ships into port results in longer waiting times. Plus, truck congestion is also a growing issue as ports become increasingly busy.

But with the adoption of 5G, Ericsson are making sure that smart ports are more cost efficient ports. In the case of one IoT-enabled port, optimizing vessel berthing led to a 20% average cost reduction per year, equal to roughly 2.5 million Euros.

Use case

Smooth operators

Autonomous trucks can operate independently while moving containers around in inter-terminal transports, replacing human-driven trucks. This leads to increased productivity and reduced congestion.

Optimizing ports with automation

Smart ports are equipped with sensors, cameras, and devices, fully connected to a network infrastructure, creating a completely integrated communications system.

This connectivity allows for remote control of heavy machinery and automated port vehicles, and creates a hugely more efficient and secure way of connecting and tracking all shipments and goods.

Automated container weighing systems will reduce weighing times while remote controlled quay cranes will lower vessel completion time, increasing productivity by up to 25 percent.

Using real-time data to boost efficiency

Smart ports will unlock a new a level of intelligence by harnessing the oceans of data running through them.

This connectivity can be used to solve crucial issues, like on-site safety, tightening port security, and increasing sustainability.

Ports will be empowered to make timely decisions, drive new growth, and deliver benefits to employees and the local community.

Use case

Working as one

Cellular will enable massive real-time data collection and analytics, allowing humans, sensors, forklifts, trucks, cranes, and cameras to work seamlessly together as one. Connected workers with wearable technology can move around safely in the port with Automated Guided Vehicles. These wearables will relay real-time data to the workers, enabling them to work more efficiently.