Verizon to Deliver Private 5G Across Thames Freeport Sites

A significant technological milestone aims to transform one of the UK’s most active trade corridors. In partnership with Nokia, Verizon Business has secured a high-profile contract to deploy multiple Private 5G Networks across key industrial campuses within the Thames Freeport. By design, the deal will support a multibillion-dollar regeneration programme to revitalise the River Thames Estuary, one of Britain’s busiest maritime logistics and manufacturing regions.

Thames Freeport, a designated Free Trade Zone, is positioned as a catalyst for innovation, global investment and job creation.

The introduction of Verizon Private 5G aims to significantly enhance operational capabilities, enabling smarter, safer and more efficient port and industrial processes through advanced technology integration.

Driving innovation and operational excellence

The deployment will see Private 5G Networks rolled out across three pivotal Freeport locations: DP World London Gateway and Logistics Park, Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham manufacturing site.

Collectively, these sites handle vast volumes of cargo and industrial activity. For example, Tilbury manages 16 million tonnes annually across 31 terminals, while London Gateway processes more than 3 million container units annually.

Verizon’s Private 5G platform will be the backbone for next-generation operations at these locations. The networks will enable AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control and real-time logistics orchestration.

Jennifer Artley, SVP of 5G Acceleration at Verizon Business, notes, “Our partnership with Thames Freeport and Nokia shows the full promise of private 5G at scale. Thames Freeport is developing one of the most technologically advanced commercial corridors in Europe to enable forward innovation and economic revitalisation for an entire community.”

Nokia technology powers industrial-edge capabilities

Nokia will serve as the exclusive hardware and software provider for the deployment. The solution is anchored in the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE). The technologies will support edge computing and secure IoT applications across industrial operations.

David de Lancellotti, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia, states, “Private wireless and industrial edge are the foundations for the digital transformation of industrial sites and the Thames Freeport deployment is a landmark example of the evolution at scale.

"It is one of the largest commercial private 5G rollouts in a European port incorporating the Nokia DAC platform.

“Together with Verizon Business, we’re proud to be enabling the infrastructure that will help Thames Freeport drive new efficiencies, sustainable growth and long-term economic opportunity for the region.”

Supporting economic growth and community development

Thames Freeport’s broader mission includes stimulating international trade, driving technological innovation, advancing sustainable development and creating high-value employment opportunities.

The project has already generated more than 1,400 jobs, with ambitions to reach 5,000 roles by 2030. Many of these are focused on digital skills and advanced training.

Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport, comments:

“Our investment in private 5G is not an incremental network upgrade—it’s the backbone of a technological transformation fueling our long-term multi-stakeholder mission… By partnering with Verizon Business and Nokia, we’re delivering the technology needed to propel our region to the front of the leading edge.”

Smart infrastructure for a connected future

The scalable Private 5G infrastructure will allow Thames Freeport and its shareholders, which include Ford, DP World and Forth Ports, to tailor network capabilities to site-specific needs.

Use cases already identified include IoT-enabled cargo tracking, autonomous yard tractors and AI-enhanced monitoring of emissions, air and water quality and noise pollution. The improvements aim to support circular economy practices and enhance public services through near real-time diagnostics.

By integrating Verizon’s Private 5G capabilities with Nokia’s industrial edge solutions, Thames Freeport is positioning itself as a blueprint for how public-private partnerships can deliver transformative connectivity at scale, offering a clear roadmap for other industrial regions seeking long-term digital enablement.

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