Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust) announced the implementation of 5G technology at its Hong Kong container terminals, making them the first 5G-operated box terminals in the country.
According to the announcement, five 5G base stations have been installed within HPH Trust Hong Kong terminals in collaboration with CK Hutchison’s telecommunications and internet service provider 3HK, enabling ultra-high-speed, low-latency, and massive machine-type communications, resulting in increased remote execution capabilities, more connected devices, and the ability to implement virtual private real-time networks.
The terminals are running three pilot projects including building a secure and reliable communications channel via 5G to control remote rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs) and a CCTV system with Artificial Intelligence (AI) intrusion detection features at the gatehouse to strengthen the terminals’ security since late 2022; and another CCTV system on quay cranes (QCs) to monitor berth traffic and operations on vessels in the second quarter of this year.
These projects are expected to result in reduced operating costs, improved accuracy, safety performance and operational efficiency.
“As a pioneer in the use of 5G technology in the industry, we appreciate 5G’s potential as an enabler for greater automation and digitalisation and are glad to see the pilot projects in production operations. Looking ahead, we will incorporate 5G into the terminals’ development in our aspiration to become a smart port – including utilising emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain and machine learning, starting with autonomous driving in the container yard to workplace video analytics to enhance safety and operational efficiency,” stated Ivor Chow, CEO of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust.
