Vertical: Ports
Application: Autonomous vehicles, PTT
Ecosystem: Verizon Business, Ericsson
Private Network: 5G
The Port of Virginia is preparing to deploy a private 5G mmWave network to enable autonomous trucking operations at its Norfolk International Terminals. The port has partnered with Verizon Business to build the private 5G network, which will provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity. Ericsson will provide the radio and core network.
Verizon’s private 5G platform is designed to handle massive IoT deployments and support advanced applications like autonomous vehicles. The new network will support Verizon’s Push-to-Talk Plus, allowing instant two-way communication with up to 250 people simultaneously. The network will operate on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G Ultra Wideband spectrum and leverage multi-access edge computing capabilities for enhanced responsiveness. It will provide the connections needed to orchestrate real-time cargo and traffic management.
The deployment of 5G will enable innovations in port operations, including autonomous guided vehicles, cranes, and trucks. Testing of autonomous trucking has been underway since 2021 and is now looking to scale up. The private 5G network will allow remote control and monitoring of the trucks in real-time as they transport cargo between ships, rail yards, and storage areas.
“Shipping terminals are rugged, constantly changing outdoor environments that require super reliable, ubiquitous connectivity for safe and adaptable operation. Verizon Private 5G provides that and gives us flexibility to scale up and layer on more capability as our needs evolve,” said Rich Ceci, SVP, Technology and Products, NIT/Port of Virginia.
The expanded capabilities provided by 5G are expected to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability at the port. Autonomous solutions can operate 24/7, optimize routing and scheduling, and reduce congestion, human errors, and emissions. The Port of Virginia plans to share key lessons from the 5G rollout with other terminals.
Verizon is rapidly growing its portfolio of 5G partnerships in transportation, manufacturing, retail, and entertainment. The collaboration with the Port of Virginia highlights the potential for 5G-enabled transformation across supply chains.
Shipping ports are major users of private cellular networks. Others include:
