Ukkoverkot, Nokia brings private LTE network to Finnish port

Finnish private network operator Ukkoverkot and Nokia are building an LTE network for the Port of HaminaKotka to strengthen its IoT and digitisation capabilities.

The telcos are working with logistics operator Steveco on the project, which has improved the locating of containers, the more efficient running of warehouses and a low latency network connecting security cameras on cranes which deliver real-time streaming and analytics.

Nokia and Ukkoverkot have been building private LTE networks across Finland for the likes of airport operator Finavia, crane manufacturer Konecranes and mining company Sandvik.

The Finnish vendor said wireless connectivity was now central to enterprises’ digital transformation as they seek to connect sensors, machines, robots, vehicles and people.

Niko Arola, Terminal Manager, Steveco, said: “Previously it was not possible to prove the condition in which containers arrived to, and departed from, the harbor. Now we can, if needed, establish the status and state of incoming containers and insurance responsibility thanks to the cameras in the cranes. The connectivity also covers our terminals and the rest of the port area, enabling efficient communication for logistics and asset tracking.” 

Jouko Tuppurainen, VP Sales, Ukkoverkot, said: “Private LTE provides the reliability, coverage, capacity, and security needed for industrial campuses, like ports, across a variety of industries. A dedicated network infrastructure connects people, vehicles, sensors, machines and robots with a guaranteed quality of service.”

Stephan Litjens, head of Nokia Digital Automation, said: “Ports involve many parties, each needing connectivity but requiring access only to certain information stemming from the different applications and devices. A dedicated digital automation platform can be sliced so that each party can access the needed information, and each slice can be assigned priorities. It also opens the window to advanced analytics and other digital automation building blocks to boost efficiency and productivity.”