Ports are facing increasing pressure to automate, improve efficiency and maintain reliable operations. Labour shortages, economic challenges, increasingly demanding SLAs, and environmental and sustainability targets are all driving the need for smarter connectivity. Private wireless networks, including 5G, are becoming an important part of that transformation. PortComms brings together the people and organisations shaping this development.
PortComms: a dedicated platform for wireless in ports
PortComms has established itself as a leading event for wireless communication in ports. It is a highly specialised conference, bringing together ports that are already exploring or deploying private wireless networks, dedicated technology suppliers and industry organisations.
The event provides two days of in-depth discussions and knowledge exchange around the development and practical deployment of private wireless in port environments.
More on Portcomms here.
Five consecutive editions as a speaker
I am pleased to be presenting at PortComms again this year. This will be my fifth consecutive edition as a speaker, each time contributing from a different perspective.
In recent editions, I have used the opportunity to present the PRIMMA programme, conducted together with the organisers of the NL Pavilion at Mobile World Congress (MWC).
From Mobile World Congress to the port environment
This year, my presentation will build on the excursion we organised during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last March. We visited both the Port Authority and a container terminal, giving participants the opportunity to see first-hand how connectivity and private wireless are being applied in the port environment.
I will also share insights from the workshop we organised as part of the PRIMMA programme, as well as the white paper we are currently developing.
A key focus of this work is network Quality of Service (QoS) and the different network options available to ports for supporting their critical operations and communications.
Bringing together ports, suppliers and industry organisations
One of the strengths of PortComms is the broad range of perspectives it brings together.
This year’s speakers include representatives from ports such as Thames Port, Valencia Port and ECT Rotterdam, alongside technology providers including Ericsson, Druid and Verizon.
Industry organisations such as the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) will also be represented, as will PRIMMA.
This combination creates a valuable platform for discussing private 5G not just from a technology perspective, but from the practical perspective of ports: what they need, what they are deploying and what challenges they encounter along the way.
Towards the connected port of the future
The development of private 5G and other wireless technologies is becoming an increasingly important part of port digitalisation. PortComms provides a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, explore new applications and discuss what comes next.
