AI and 5G Could Advance Port Automation

The recent dockworkers strike along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, which halted operations at over 30 seaports and disrupted nearly half of the country’s shipments, is a stark reminder of the fragility of global supply chains. As port congestion intensifies and labor unrest threatens, industry leaders increasingly focus on automation as a long-term solution to mitigate such disruptions. At the heart of this shift is the integration of cutting-edge technologies like 5G networks, which promise to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across ports.

Private 5G networks allow for seamless, real-time data transmission between various automated systems, from cranes and robots to security drones, without the risk of network congestion. At ports like Antwerp and Tyne, 5G-connected drones operate for their ability to provide continuous, high-quality video feeds for security surveillance, drastically reducing response times to incidents​. These drones, supported by AI and edge computing, offer a glimpse into the future of port security—where machines, not humans, will monitor vast terminal spaces, optimizing resource allocation and improving safety.