The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the global supply chain and spawned a huge uptake in e-commerce. These changes have pushed port terminal operators to become more flexible and resilient so they can respond to volatile market demands, shifting transport routes and growing vessel sizes with new levels of speed, agility, coordination and collaboration. 

This quest for greater flexibility and resilience has not been an easy one. Despite decades of R&D focus on port and terminal automation, terminal operators often rely on older systems that can’t help them adapt to new challenges. In addition, Terminal Operating Systems (TOSs) lack the reliable wireless connectivity and modern hardware required to maintain seamless data links between mobile and central applications. 

Many port terminal operators have started to implement industrial-grade private wireless networks and edge computing to address their need for reliable, low-latency, high-bandwidth communications. They want solutions that will enable them to fully realize the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies and use cases such automated guided vehicles, new visualization technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous operations to transform terminals through remote control, automation, robotics and data analytics applications.

We’re simplifying the transformation of port terminal operations with Nokia One Platform for Industrial Digitalization, which combines private wireless connectivity based on 4G LTE or 5G with Wi-Fi, industrial devices, an on-premises industrial edge and a catalog of Industry 4.0 applications. This platform is easy to deploy, operate and integrate into a legacy environment. 

Enhance operational control and improve worker safety

Nokia One Platform lets port terminal operators facilitate staff communications and collaboration by connecting all personnel through reliable and secure data and voice applications on a single converged network. And it helps keep workers safe by remotely monitoring data from wearable sensors and connected personal protective equipment (PPE).

Terminal operators can move on from Private Mobile Radio (PMR) and equip their staff with dynamic group communications and advanced push-to-talk (PTT), push-to-video (PTV) and group call capabilities. By replacing a patchwork of networks with one platform that supports all communications, terminal operators typically reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 27 percent, according to research by Nokia Bell Labs. 

Real-time monitoring of worker health and safety is essential in potentially hazardous environments such as port terminals. With Nokia One Platform, port terminal operators get industrial-grade technologies that let them display data from wearable devices on dashboards and enable automated emergency alarms. This helps them manage risk more effectively and reduce accident rates.

Improve yard productivity by increasing automation

Condition monitoring applications deployed on the platform can help port terminal operators gain real-time insights into environmental factors such as temperature, airflow, humidity and light, which are essential for applications such as tracking the quality of goods in containers. Terminal operators can also improve yard operations by using asset-tracking applications to make better-informed decisions about resource planning and emergency situations. 

Video analytics deployed on drones can complement these capabilities by spotting anomalies as they happen in real time.

By using the dedicated wireless network to connect container handling equipment to the TOS, terminals can eliminate cybersecurity concerns and all risk of network interference. And with terminal automation powered by private wireless networks, they can guarantee SLAs, PROFINET or PROFISAFE protocols for remote control, and visual connectivity with the automated machinery. All of this can reduce the amount of radio equipment in the field, increase container yard productivity by up to 28 percent, and minimize accidents or injuries by reducing emergency stops by up to 90 percent. 

Find out more

Nokia One Platform for Industrial Digitalization offers dedicated, industrial-grade connectivity, on-premises edge computing and industrial devices that can support most Industry 4.0 applications. Visit our page to find out more about how Nokia One Platform can transform port terminal operations.