PortComms has established itself as a leading event for wireless communication in ports, bringing together specialised suppliers and port operators that are exploring or deploying private wireless networks. These technologies support port automation and help address growing operational challenges, including labour shortages, economic pressures, increasingly demanding SLAs, and environmental and sustainability requirements. The 2026 edition took place in London on 7 and 8 October.
Real-World Private 5G Deployments in Ports
The programme featured real-world examples of private 5G deployments at ports including Thames, Valencia, HaRoPa, ECT Rotterdam, Belfast and DP World. These cases demonstrate how ports are adopting private wireless connectivity to support operational innovation and strengthen their competitiveness. PortComms remains an important meeting point for the port sector and the private wireless industry.
Sharing Insights from the PRIMMA Excursion to Barcelona
At PortComms 2026, PRIMMA Domain Expert Koen Mioulet shared insights from the excursion to the Port of Barcelona organised through the PRIMMA programme in conjunction with Mobile World Congress and the Netherlands Pavilion.
During the excursion, participants visited the Port Authority of Barcelona, which has deployed a private 5G network using an innovative operational model, as well as a container terminal that offered valuable insights into the challenges of implementing new wireless connectivity in a highly operational environment.
For a look back at last year’s conference, read our PortComms 2025 report via the button below.
PRIMMA White Paper: Supporting Informed Connectivity Decisions
PRIMMA also shared its plans for a white paper designed to help port operators make informed decisions about private wireless deployment. The publication will examine different wireless applications in ports, the quality of service (QoS) they require, and the suitability of different network technologies to meet those requirements.
Options include private 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite, LoRa, mobile network operator (MNO) networks and network slicing. By providing end users with a clearer understanding of the available technologies and their capabilities, PRIMMA aims to support better-informed decisions and facilitate the adoption of suitable connectivity solutions. Further information about the white paper is available upon request.
Private Wireless as a Competitive Advantage for Ports
PortComms 2026 highlighted how ports are increasingly adopting private wireless solutions to enable automation and strengthen their competitive position. While deployment models and spectrum availability still vary across ports and EU member states, the port sector continues to make significant progress in the practical adoption of 5G.
These developments reinforce PRIMMA’s focus on helping ports understand their connectivity options and make informed decisions about the wireless infrastructure needed to support their future operations.
