Ericsson and 2degrees introduce private 5G network into NZ port

New Zealand’s largest South Island port, operated by Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has introduced a private 5G network in conjunction with 2degrees and Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions.

The Ericsson private 5G network was implemented on-site by 2degrees and will support applications including mobile asset tracking, tele-remote control of heavy equipment and vehicles, along with safety alarms and streaming from video cameras for safety and security.

The site uses rugged Ericsson Cradlepoint routers on its Straddle Carriers, with 5G providing the primary connection. 2degrees’ public network also provides a secondary backup.

The port, which handles close to half a million container movements per year, along with extensive fuel, bulk and cruise activities, is surrounded by volcanic rock, and the network also has to contend with the shielding effect of stacked containers.

The setup provides port-wide coverage, reaching areas where Wi-Fi can’t reach and fibre is slow, expensive or impractical to deploy.

“We needed stronger network performance across the port so our teams and equipment could work without interruption,” said LPC chief information officer, Jackie Dawson.

“This supports our long-term digital plans and helps us run a safer, more efficient and resilient port for our customers and community.”

“Private 5G is foundational infrastructure for modern industrial environments,” said Ian Ross, head of private networks ANZ at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions.

“By delivering ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity to every corner of a port, operators like LPC can achieve unprecedented levels of digitalisation, asset visibility and operational efficiency.”

LPC plans to expand its applications of private 5G and is looking at how the site can use it to connect environmental sensors for wind and stormwater monitoring, as well as drones which feed data into AI tools and are used for inspections of containers, cranes, and pavements.

Last month, Ericsson launched the Ericsson Cradlepoint R2400 and extensible RC1250 modem, designed for vehicles and mobile field teams.