Digital transformation of port terminals

The volatility of global markets, changes in transportation routes, and the increasing size of ships present a challenge for terminal operators, as they must adjust to dynamic volumes and increases in container traffic. Supply chains demand faster response times, as well as better coordination between truck operators, railways, and terminals.

With all this additional pressure on docking, truck, and rail operations, there is a growing need for digital technologies or "Industry 4.0" solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). These will play an increasingly important role in addressing these challenges, partly because they will enable the automation of terminals, which, in turn, will provide greater flexibility and cost savings in operations.

Fortunately, today it is possible to simplify the digital transformation of terminal operations by consolidating many of these digital applications into a single secure wireless network, which will lay the foundation for greater automation and a significant increase in productivity.

Current LTE technology and the new 5G technology have the characteristics and capabilities needed to meet the requirements of many terminal applications and use cases. In addition to reducing operational and capital costs associated with purchasing, installing, and operating multiple networks, consolidation into a single network technology will also reduce complexity and increase the reliability and security of terminal communications.

What is the current situation of port terminals and how can private LTE networks help them?

In recent decades, most terminals have deployed various wireless network technologies. These applications include professional mobile radio based on TETRA or P25, wireless technologies to support machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, low-power wide-area (LPWA) networks, IoT, and transponder networks for automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Although most of these wireless technologies have specific applications for wireless data communications and, in particular, to support the terminal's operating system (TOS), most port terminals today have implemented Wi-Fi. An LTE service from a mobile network operator, such as the one provided by Nokia, can be leveraged as an alternative for general wireless data communications.

As a result, a port terminal may host five or even more different wireless networks. This fragmentation of wireless systems could be simplified with current LTE technology, as it would function as a convergent platform for voice, data, and video services for mission-critical operations. In addition to mobile broadband, the latest version of LTE has also implemented NB-IoT and LTE-M to support M2M communications, IoT sensors, and other low-power devices.

Consolidating into a single wireless network will not only expand the use cases for current terminal operations but also enable new next-generation applications. Unlike public LTE services from mobile network operators designed to serve the masses, an LTE network in a port terminal is deployed privately for the exclusive use of the terminal operator. It is tailored to meet specific use cases and coverage requirements.

Terminal operations cannot afford communication interruptions while container handling machinery moves across the yard and navigates a constantly changing topography. The inherent mobility of terminal activities, radio reflections caused by the metallic surface of containers, and interference from neighboring wireless networks present a challenge for existing wireless systems (such as Wi-Fi) in terms of reliability and predictability.

So, what are the advantages of private LTE networks?

• Unified wireless networks of adaptable size

• A network prepared for future technological developments

• Up to 800 connections per AP.

• Good interference management.

• Reliability (QoS) and security.

• Prioritization of services, for example, data over voice.

• High capacity and high-speed mobility of autonomous vehicles.

• Greater operational efficiency thanks to better performance in loading.

What are the main economic benefits?

• Reduction of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for voice communications, unifying PTT (Push-to-Talk) and automation.

• For an average operation, over 80,000 additional containers per year, due to improved operational efficiency by sending digital instructions to the operation.

• Semi-automating the operation of containers, resulting in at least a 7% increase in productivity.