Ports play a key role in the transition of the power grid from fossil-based fuels to renewable energy. Smart grids can optimise their energy use and integrate renewable sources. In doing so, they can help ports to reduce their emissions and carbon footprint. 5G can help by supporting smart grid applications in ports, which enable the integration of renewable energy sources and optimise the use of energy.
The production, management, and maintenance of all renewable energy requires reliable wireless connectivity. Largely, this is tied to the infrastructure, which requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the best performance.
For example, with offshore wind, one of the highest expenses is operations and maintenance (O&M). This can count for as much as 25-30% of the total investments of an offshore wind project. Whether fixed or mobile, these structures tend to face harsh weather conditions and are subject to corrosion and weakening of structural parts. Ongoing monitoring and predictive maintenance are key, both of which can be supported by digital technologies, such as drones, robotics, and remote and autonomous systems. These can carry out inspection, maintenance, and even repairs. Such methods avoid the frequent deployment of humans for manual inspections, which are time-consuming, inefficient, and highly dangerous.
However, for remote and condition-based maintenance to take place, there must be sufficient wireless connectivity between the port and the offshore structure. Furthermore, for workers onboard these structures, smooth communication to shore is critical for their safety and well-being.
Private cellular networks (4G/5G) are one option that supports the operation of offshore wind farms by providing real-time feedback on offshore structures. For example, sensors onboard a wind turbine could detect abnormal vibrations and alert shore-based personnel to a fault in the structure, providing critical and precise information in real-time. Moreover, 5G’s streaming capability could visually link technical engineers on the structure to more experienced staff on shore, facilitating rapid intervention and avoiding downtime. This kind of rapid data transmission is not possible with Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, ports can make use of secure wireless networks like 4G and 5G to support digital platforms that identify the most suitable renewable energy sources (as well as other technologies) for their individual needs. This can then be used to determine the power grid requirements.
Case Study- The Port of Tyne
The Port of Tyne in the UK has made maritime media headlines over the last few months as a result of its leap into the world of 5G. Today, the port has full 5G coverage. According to the port’s head of innovation & technology, Ian Blake, the signal strength and range of 5G have surpassed their initial expectations. This marks a major step for the port in becoming net zero by 2050.
The port plans to use the 5G network to enable a variety of use cases. These include:
- Supporting autonomous navigation within the port. Autonomous vehicles will move cargo and equipment around the port, without a human presence.
- Supporting the operation of remote equipment, such as cranes. Workers at the port will operate cranes via simulated cabs. The network will facilitate precise location information, full HD+ video and sensory haptics.
- Supporting immersive training by connecting port workers and remote maintenance engineers via augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices.
- Connecting AI sensors, video and data sources from both inside and outside the port to generate new business intelligence and improve operational efficiency.
For a more in-depth understanding of the topics covered in this article, refer to our latest in partnership with Ericsson, Getting Ports to Net Zero. This comprehensive guide provides an introduction to port emissions reduction and why advanced networks such as 5G must be considered as part of the journey to net zero.
