Verizon Business Partners with Thames Freeport for Private 5G Network Transformation

In a significant move to invigorate the UK's economy and enhance logistics capabilities, Verizon Business has inked a strategic partnership with Thames Freeport and Nokia. This collaboration aims to deploy a multi-site private 5G network across several critical logistics, manufacturing, and innovation hubs along the Thames River estuary. The initiative forms the technological backbone of a multibillion-dollar business transformation project benefiting one of the UK's most active maritime logistics and manufacturing regions.

Thames Freeport Overview

Thames Freeport, designated by the UK government, represents a long-term initiative aimed at revitalizing the Thames River estuary. Its primary goals include fostering economic growth, generating high-value employment, and attracting global investment. With the implementation of Verizon's private 5G, the Freeport aims to enhance port operations through advanced data utilization, AI-driven analytics, autonomous vehicle control, and real-time logistics optimization. This modern infrastructure is essential for elevating regional economic activity and supports skill training initiatives to benefit local communities. Currently, Thames Freeport has created 1,400 jobs with plans to expand this number to 5,000 by 2030.

Private 5G Deployment Details

The private 5G network to be established by Verizon will employ cutting-edge technologies such as AI-powered data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, and real-time logistics optimization. Nokia will provide the necessary hardware and software solutions by integrating its "Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC)" and "Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE)" platforms. This infrastructure will significantly bolster operations at three main facilities:

1. DP World London Gateway and DP World Logistics Park: This facility boasts a container handling capacity of over 3 million units annually, making it the largest integrated deep-sea container port and logistics facility in the UK. It includes a rail terminal with 20 daily calls and features a high-tech logistics center spanning 9.25 million square feet.

2. Tilbury Port: The largest multi-purpose port within Thames Freeport, crucial for logistics in construction, automotive, and food and beverage sectors. It operates 31 independent terminals, handling up to 16 million tons of cargo each year.

3. Ford Dagenham Plant: This site represents London's major manufacturing hub, uniquely positioned to access manufacturing clusters, suppliers, and final markets efficiently.

The geographical layout connects Ford’s renowned Dagenham plant with the international ports at London Gateway and Tilbury, emphasizing the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technologies along the critical A13 route and Thames River.

Driving Economic Growth

Thames Freeport is on a mission to boost trade, catalyze innovation, facilitate energy transitions, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for local residents. Verizon’s private 5G network plays a pivotal role in realizing these objectives across its various sites. Implementing advanced technology layers such as AI, edge computing, and IoT will cultivate an environment conducive for stakeholders to collaborate on new applications. For instance, IoT solutions will allow the operation of autonomous yard tractors and quay cranes, facilitate real-time cargo tracking, and offer efficient route configuration and condition monitoring.

This enhanced infrastructure empowers tenants to receive goods, evaluate quantities and conditions, and expedite shipping processes, thereby minimizing the risks of damage or loss. Moreover, combining edge computing with AI enables monitoring and optimization of port operations and asset performance while keeping track of emissions, air and water quality, and noise levels in near real-time, which is vital for environmental management.

The operational management of Verizon’s private 5G network infrastructure will be overseen by Thames Freeport and its tenant shareholder organizations. This collaborative structure safeguards data autonomy while ensuring optimal connectivity tailored to the unique requirements of each site.

Executive Insights

Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport, commented, “A flexible and high-performance connectivity platform is essential for our long-term vision. Our investment in private 5G is more than just an upgrade; it’s the technological backbone driving innovation for tenants and creating high-value jobs that support community development.”

David de Lancellotti, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia, stated, “The deployment at Thames Freeport stands as a landmark case for transforming industrial sites through private wireless and edge technology. This network equips Thames Freeport with the capabilities to implement advanced use cases, fostering sustainable growth and economic opportunities.”

Jennifer Artley, SVP at Verizon Business Group, adds, “This partnership underscores the vast potential of large-scale private 5G implementations. Thames Freeport is developing one of Europe’s most technologically advanced commercial corridors, thereby laying the groundwork for future innovation and community advancement.”

About Verizon

Verizon Communications, established on June 30, 2000, is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communication services. Headquartered in New York and boasting a global presence, Verizon recorded revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company delivers data, video, voice services, and solutions through its award-winning network and platforms, addressing customer needs for mobility, reliable connectivity, security, and control. For more information, visit Verizon's online media center at Verizon News Center.