The Port of Felixstowe is the UK’s busiest container port, handling millions of containers each year. To support increasing automation, improve safety and prepare for the future of port operations,
Hutchison Ports partnered with Three Group Solutions to upgrade its core connectivity infrastructure.
Together, we delivered a private 5G network spanning the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International and London Thamesport — creating a single, resilient communications platform designed for mission‑critical operations.
The challenge
Ports are complex, high‑intensity environments where reliable connectivity is essential. Public mobile networks can struggle to deliver the consistent performance required for operational systems, particularly as automation and data demands increase.
While the Port of Felixstowe had successfully relied on a private 4G network for many years, new use cases — including autonomous vehicles, high‑definition video and sensor‑rich equipment — required higher capacity, lower latency and greater control.
At the same time, any network upgrade had to be delivered without disrupting live port operations that run continuously, day and night.
The solution
Three Group Solutions designed and deployed a private 5G network that treats the three ports as one logical operation, supported by shared systems and resilient infrastructure.
Key elements of the solution included:
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Dedicated 5G coverage across large, complex port environments
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Separate spectrum for 4G and 5G to enable a safe, phased migration
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Careful transition of vehicles, cranes and devices to avoid downtime
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Resilient connectivity linking all three ports into a single network
The result was a seamless upgrade, delivered without a single disruptive cutover.
The impact
The new private 5G network provides the foundation for the port’s next phase of digital transformation, including the planned rollout of autonomous, electric vehicles.
This enables:
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Improved safety by reducing physical exposure to heavy machinery
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Lower emissions through electric and optimised vehicle movements
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Greater operational visibility through real‑time data and video
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New ways of working, including remote supervision and control
Beyond autonomous vehicles, the network is designed to support future applications such as remote crane operation, mobile cameras, drones, predictive maintenance and digital twins.
Looking ahead
By treating connectivity as critical operational infrastructure, Hutchison Ports and Three Group Solutions have created a scalable, future‑ready platform that supports today’s needs while unlocking tomorrow’s innovation.
The Port of Felixstowe’s private 5G deployment shows how large, complex industrial environments can modernise safely — without compromising performance, safety or continuity.
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