English
The Latvian mobile operator and technology company LMT in cooperation with SIA “LVR Flote”, the capital company of the Freeport of Riga Authority – the provider of port technical services , has conducted successful 5Gt technology trials. These technologies will make it possible to enjoy the benefits of 5G on the high seas in the future.
Testing of 5G marine technologies was carried out in the waters of the River Daugava at the Freeport of Riga, on the vessels of “LVR Flote”.
During the trials, the LMT technologies were able to ensure seamless 5G mobile data transmission both from land to ship and between two ships. The 5G connection to the ship was established via a terrestrial 5G network, and 5G network connectivity was successfully provided from ship to end-user. After the successful inspection, LMT and “LVR Flote” plan to continue testing 5G marine technologies on a larger scale in the Baltic Sea at the end of 2023.
“At the moment, communication on the high seas can be provided solely by satellites, which do not fully provide necessary capacity for new “demanding” applications. Thanks to 5G marine technologies, we will be able to ensure high-quality data transmission in the future in conditions where it is necessary to transmit huge amounts of data from ship to ship or from ship to port in a short time, but traditional data transmission does not meet the expectations. Given that the share of maritime logistics systems, i.e. maritime transport, is increasing every year and importance of the deployment of the maritime 5G network and its solutions is growing, a large export potential can be predicted for our tried-and-tested solutions,” said Juris Binde, President of LMT.
Ansis Zeltiņš, Freeport of Riga CEO: “The amount of data that needs to be processed in modern port is huge and it continues to increase, while modern logistics, port and maritime security solutions require secure data exchange in real time between all participants. That is why the Port of Riga is actively involved in various technology initiatives in order to study and test solutions for more efficient use of new generation networks and innovations in data processing and port supervision. We are also pleased that within the framework of successful cooperation between LMT and our subsidiary company “LVR Flote”, the Port of Riga was able to contribute to the testing of 5G technologies with the aim to strengthen the military capacity of our country and its allies. “LVR Flote” participated in the 5G experiment, which was conducted in October by the LMT in cooperation with the National Armed Forces and NATO. The Freeport of Riga subsidiary company’s floating drone OTTER functioned as one of the sensors for situational awareness on the water within the information system developed by LMT.”
“The provider of port technical services “LVR Flote” supports innovation and initiatives for the development of new technological solutions in the maritime sector. “LVR Flote” is interested in providing high-quality services to ports, which is why we support projects promoting port competitiveness. The advantages of the 5G network provide new opportunities for “LVR Flote” operation both in hydrographic measurements and in servicing aids to navigation, so we are glad that our practical cooperation with LMT is being implemented on the eve of 5G technologies deployment at sea. We believe that cooperation is the most effective way to development,” explained Kaspars Ozoliņš, member of the “LVR Flote” Board.
To ensure reliable data transmission at sea, the relay principle is being applied – the 5G network signal is transmitted from one ship to the next facilitating communication both between ships at sea and ports as well as among ships themselves. The technology involves deploying 5G networks and 5G base stations on ships. It is important to note that achieving 5G coverage in open waters is highly challenging, which has resulted in limited global research and testing so far. A recent trial conducted by LMT and “LVR Flote” represents a potential milestone in providing 5G connectivity at sea. It also raises reasonable expectations that tried-and-tested 5G marine technologies could provide 5G coverage in the Baltic Sea, potentially transforming it into a testing ground for marine innovation.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
