Port of Aberdeen to become smartest port in the UK with £1m investment

The contract includes the upgrade and expansion of the port’s CCTV and security systems and the deployment of a private 5G, public Wi-Fi and IoT networks to support a range of solutions to improve operations and customer experience.

The partnership follows the transformational £420m expansion of the port’s South Harbour which represented the largest marine infrastructure project in Trust history and officially opened in September 2023.

North has designed and deployed an expansive CCTV and security system across the port’s North Harbour and South Harbour. This includes integrated video management systems, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and access control.

Robust 4K marine-grade cameras with video analytics now provide visibility as vessels approach the port, enabling a smarter approach to security management. Upgrades to control barriers and ANPR integration has strengthened real-time event detection and traffic management, ultimately helping to better safeguard people and resources across the Port.

The 5G investment will allow Port of Aberdeen to install a high performing private 5G network, providing better connectivity at the new South Port. The 5G network will enhance communications while support applications such as drone technology, smart bollards and 5G cameras.

With 6,948 vessels utilising the port in 2023, the introduction of 5G infrastructure will advance data gathering through the use of new technologies and importantly, support the Port of Aberdeen’s goal of becoming the UK’s first net zero port by 2040.

The technology will allow Port of Aberdeen to provide a safe, secure and connected environment that can further their growth and sustainability targets through their newly secured contracts with cruise operators and shipping companies that will be responsible for building renewable energy sources in the North Sea.

Jon Oakey, chief financial officer at Port of Aberdeen, said: “Port of Aberdeen is focused on using cutting edge technology to achieve its aspirations, both in maintaining operations at the port and delivering our award-winning, industry-leading 2040 net zero strategy. The additional data available through the installation of these systems will allow our team to make more informed decisions that will continue to enable us to offer the operational excellence that our customers expect.

“We look forward to continuing the journey with North following these awards.”

Complementing the new 5G network, the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions will allow Port of Aberdeen to monitor environmental factors through sensor technology. This will provide it with data-led insight on applications such as waste management, air quality, parking, waste, flooding and occupancy across the site.

Julie Hutchison, business development manager at North, said: “North is focussed on delivering stronger networks and smarter places, and we are proud to help Port of Aberdeen realise this. Its transformational expansion and mission to become Scotland’s first premier net zero port will be accelerated through its prioritisation of and investment into smart solutions.

“North is uniquely placed to offer end-to-end technology solutions and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Port of Aberdeen as we embark on the next phase of the project. As part of this, we will work closely with the team to explore how data and trends are accessible through the technology which can drive operational efficiencies and support the Port’s digital transformation ambitions.”