Nokia, in collaboration with Liberty Global, has unveiled a partnership aimed at transforming operations at the Port of Antwerp.
Under this alliance, Telenet, Liberty Global’s Belgian subsidiary, will leverage Nokia’s Network as Code platform with a developer portal to drive operational efficiency and enhance services offered at the port.
Through the utilization of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) available via Nokia’s platform, developers will have access to network functionality and data, empowering them to innovate and create new applications tailored to specific use cases.
In a trial conducted at the port, Liberty Global via Telenet’s 5G network showcased slicing capabilities that enable remotely-located captains to operate vessels with enhanced safety and efficiency. Real-time data, facilitated by ultra-low latency network capabilities and zero-touch automation, empowered captains to navigate vessels more effectively, optimizing operations within the port.
This trial, a pivotal component of Liberty Global’s Network as a Service program (NaaS), involved collaboration with Belgian partners Seafar NV and imec. The integration of Nokia’s Network as Code Platform with developer portal and imec’s edge application middleware addressed the critical need for reliable, high-quality, low-latency connectivity at Seafar’s Shore Control Center, facilitating seamless vessel operations.
Imec’s deployment of dynamic geofences, coupled with AI and machine learning algorithms, enabled proactive identification of areas requiring increased situational awareness. As vessels approached these areas, network capacity was automatically prioritized to ensure high-quality live video feeds, allowing captains to navigate through critical zones safely and efficiently.
This partnership marks a tangible implementation of the Open Gateway initiative, spearheaded by the GSMA, aimed at standardizing APIs to accelerate innovation within the industry. By harnessing NAAS technology and integrating standardized CAMARA APIs on imec’s applications, the ecosystem ensures effective utilization of network resources without the need for dedicated infrastructure, offering maximum flexibility and cost efficiency.
Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm about expanding network capabilities for developers at the Port of Antwerp, paving the way for innovative applications to benefit customers.
Madalina Suceveanu, Managing Director of Mobile & Cloud Technologies at Liberty Global, emphasized the transformative potential of 5G-era networks in driving customer experiences across various sectors, highlighting the framework’s ability to unlock untapped markets and foster the development of diverse use cases.
