Three Group Solutions has finished deploying a private 5G network across Hutchison Ports' UK sites at Felixstowe, Harwich International and London Thamesport, creating one of the country's most advanced industrial connectivity platforms, reports London's Port Technology.

The network delivers high-capacity, low-latency links to support automation including autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled cranes and data-heavy applications central to digital transformation. It strengthens resilience while improving efficiency, safety and sustainability.

To avoid disruption, the system was installed alongside the existing 4G network using separate spectrum, allowing phased migration of vehicles and equipment. Graham Wilde, head of private networks, said running both systems in parallel ensured a smooth transition without affecting daily operations.

Hutchison Ports is introducing autonomous electric trucks at Felixstowe to replace much of its diesel fleet. These vehicles require constant connectivity, very low latency and bandwidth for multiple live video feeds, which the 4G system could not provide at scale.

Mr Wilde said automation was not about job losses but about changing roles to make them safer and more attractive, helping recruitment and retention. He added that the new network opens possibilities limited only by imagination.

Built with specialist partners, the 5G system includes dual cores, overlapping radio coverage and redundant links across the three ports. Operating within Hutchison Ports' cybersecurity perimeter, it is designed to remain functional even if sites or towers are offline.

While autonomous transport is the initial focus, the platform can support future applications such as remote machinery operation, predictive maintenance, drone inspection and integration into digital twins of port operations. Mr Wilde said Felixstowe, Harwich and Thamesport now have a dedicated 5G foundation for the next decade of innovation.