The Port of València is making significant strides toward becoming a Smart Port by launching its own private 5G network. This EUR 6 million initiative, co-financed by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, is poised to connect over 25,000 devices across the port, including smartphones, vehicles, surveillance cameras, environmental sensors, drones, and security services.
The network is designed to operate independently, free from external operators, ensuring a secure, reliable, and efficient infrastructure for the port’s operations.
Enrique Belda, Director of the Port Authority of València (PAV), stated, “5G will allow us to configure the technological future of the Port of València, enhancing innovation and supporting our digital transformation.”
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Tailored Infrastructure for Future Growth
The 5G network will operate on the n40 frequency band (2.3-2.4 GHz), which is regulated by public authorities to ensure privacy and security. It boasts over 15 base stations, providing near-complete port operations coverage. The network’s Standalone (SA) architecture ensures a high throughput of up to 10 Gbps, supporting more than 25,000 connected devices. A geo-redundant core network, built with cutting-edge technology and a robust cybersecurity system, guarantees reliability and security for critical applications.
Javier Gallego, Head of Technologies at PAV, emphasized the importance of the 5G network as a foundational element for the port’s transformation into a smart port. “Security and mobility are the core pillars of this initiative,” Gallego said.
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Innovative Use Cases and Applications
The first phase of the network’s implementation will focus on two primary use cases: police surveillance and remote maintenance. The surveillance system will incorporate high-resolution cameras, enabling real-time monitoring of operations and enhancing port security. The remote maintenance use case will leverage immersive telepresence and artificial intelligence (AI) to guide local technicians through tasks that previously required experts to be physically present, significantly improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Further applications of the 5G network include advanced services like digital twinning, intelligent surveillance, collision risk detection, stowage planning, and enhanced passenger connectivity.
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A Pioneering Initiative in Europe
Joan Meseguer Llopis, Senior Manager of Innovation Projects, Valenciaport Foundation, noted, “This pioneering initiative combines three key features: the scale of the port, the comprehensive implementation of 5G technology, and the exclusive use of the radio spectrum under a self-provisioning model.”
This self-sufficient model ensures that the port has complete control over the management and growth of the network infrastructure without being dependent on third-party operators. By 2027, the port aims to fully deploy the network and roll out additional enhancements, securing its position as a leader in maritime innovation and digital transformation.
