The 5G research project 5G-PortVG is picking up speed. At a mid-term meeting, the partners involved in the joint project presented the first interim results from over a year of research and development. They presented innovative applications of 5G campus networks and autonomous systems in the maritime industry to the public.
The meeting on September 7, 2023 took place on Lake Sellin in the waters of the Vorpommern-Rügen tourism region’s real-world laboratory. Live demonstrations of autonomous vehicles, measurement systems and other 5G-based applications were shown on the solar ferry “Sünje”, which is equipped with 5G technology, and the surrounding moorings. The exhibition was accompanied by specialist presentations on concrete solutions in the research areas of 5G campus networks, assistance systems and sensor technology, as well as logistics and value-added services. Around 50 visitors learned about the project on site, including Christian Pegel (Minister of the Interior, Construction and Digitization in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and District Administrator Dr. Stefan Kerth (District of Vorpommern-Rügen).
A special highlight of the evening was the christening of an USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel). The unmanned watercraft is an important part of the 5G campus network at Stralsund University of Applied Sciences and is used to test autonomous water-land logistics systems. Under the name “Little Scientist”, the USV will test navigation and control systems that could later be used on real ships such as the “Sünje” of Weiße Flotte GmbH. For this reason, the same sensor technology will be used on both ships to detect their surroundings and determine their position.
About the project: As part of the 5G-PortVG joint project, new 5G-based services and products are being tested in three lead projects, which will serve as user-centered maritime assistance systems in the future. Together, the projects form the basis for enabling new applications in the port sector. They also demonstrate and evaluate the added value of 5G technology, particularly in comparison to existing technical systems. With the use of 5G infrastructure in port facilities, the entire logistics, transport and organizational processes can be made more efficient, effective and secure. The project, which was funded by the 5x5G innovation competition of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is being driven forward by a total of six project partners. Under the leadership of the telecommunications planning company DEN GmbH, aconium GmbH is working together with Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, the shipping company “Weiße Flotte”, the technology center Witeno GmbH and the ship supplier Nautitronix to implement the project.
Further information on the “5G-PortVG: 5G campus networks in commercial ports” funding project can be found on the project website available.