#Finland #5G-ROUTES #VTT #maritime connectivity #Turku

Expanding 5G Connectivity in Maritime Zones

The world is witnessing a significant transformation in communication technology, with 5G standing at the forefront of this revolution. While 5G has made significant inroads on land, extending these capabilities to maritime environments has posed unique challenges. Fortunately, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, alongside key partners, has embarked on an innovative effort to change this narrative.

The 5G-ROUTES Project

Recently, VTT and its partners successfully showcased an advanced solution to extend 5G coverage and capacity beyond the coastal regions, as part of the EU-funded 5G-ROUTES project. This initiative aims to facilitate comprehensive maritime connectivity, enhancing communication, safety, and passenger experiences onboard vessels. Research Manager Anne Lönnqvist describes this effort as a groundbreaking project, stating, "This was a groundbreaking multi-hop test of 5G networks in a maritime environment. The project aims to solve the coverage and capacity challenges for data transmission at sea."

Multi-Hop 5G Solution Demonstrated

The project involved a series of tests conducted near Turku, Finland, where the team successfully trialed a multi-hop 5G solution, extending service coverage up to 10 kilometers offshore. This configuration aims to not only improve the quality of general maritime communication but also to unlock new opportunities for applications focusing on the passenger experience and operational efficiency.

VTT collaborated with prominent industry players like Vediafi, Cumucore, and Airbus. Additionally, tech giants such as Ericsson, Nokia, Digita, DNA, Telia, and Goodmill Systems provided crucial support throughout the trials. This collective effort is a testament to the potential of 5G technology in maritime settings.

Enhanced Vessel Operations and Passenger Experience

The innovations presented during this project can significantly enhance vessel operations while enriching the onboard experience for passengers. By merging multiple communication technologies including public 5G networks, ship-to-ship private 5G communications, and satellite connections, the project has demonstrated a system capable of facilitating robust connectivity even as vessels move further offshore.

The setup allows for high-bandwidth data transfer utilizing a multi-hop approach between ships. This means that vessels closer to the coastline can act as hubs, channeling connectivity to those further out at sea. As Project Director Lasse Nykänen states, “These maritime tests were an excellent opportunity to develop new 5G applications and services for the sea cluster. The technology is ready — the next step is to find a commercial implementation model.”

New Opportunities in the Maritime Industry

The testing of this system on the Turku-Stockholm maritime corridor revealed its potential for substantial advancements in operational capabilities. The first vessel, positioned near the coast, served as a communication hub, establishing a reliable connection to a second vessel further offshore. This configuration enabled continuous data streaming and internet access, facilitating applications such as real-time video transmission and collaborative tools, making the communication experience more immersive.

Mika Skarp, Senior Business Development Manager at Cumucore, noted, “The multi-hop 5G approach lifts the reliability and bandwidth of maritime networks to a whole new level worldwide. This evolution can lead to the creation of new commercial opportunities, greatly benefiting maritime clients.”

Insights on Future Commercial Applications

Funded under the EU's Horizon 2020 program, the 5G-ROUTES project holds immense potential for enhancing cross-border mobility in maritime sectors. The findings from this research open pathways for exciting applications in various maritime corridors, particularly the Latvia-Estonia-Finland route.

As the maritime industry adapts to the expanding capabilities of technology, reliable connectivity can significantly shift operational paradigms, boost efficiency, and create a superior passenger experience. With ongoing advancements in maritime 5G connectivity, we might soon be witnessing a new era of seamless communication on the seas, paving the way for innovation and progress within the marine industry.

Conclusion

The challenges of achieving reliable maritime connectivity are steadily being overcome, thanks to collaborative efforts like those of VTT and its partners. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for enhanced communication and operational efficiency at sea, setting the stage for a more connected maritime future.