Ericsson, DT and HHLA: Private 5G at the Port of Hamburg

A high-performance private 5G campus network is now operational at the Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in the Port of Hamburg, Germany. 

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) implemented the infrastructure in collaboration with Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson. 

Developed as part of the “PROCON 5G” project, the network has been supplying wireless coverage across an area of more than one square kilometre since the end of May 2026. 

This newly deployed infrastructure serves as the foundation for core logistics processes, real-time applications and a digital test field for innovations at the port.

The architecture operates as a dedicated campus network using locally allocated frequency spectrum, acting independently of public mobile communications, to provide secure and highly reliable connectivity.

The Port of Hamburg is Germany's largest seaport and Europe's third-largest container port.

Real-time terminal automation

The 5G campus network is specifically built to support the intensive demands of a highly automated container terminal. By using this private infrastructure, the port is able to connect vehicles, sensors, mobile devices and IT systems in real time.

Based on Ericsson Private 5G architecture, the system provides stable and high-performance communication. 

This reliability is designed to hold up even during periods of high-capacity network utilisation. Furthermore, the network is built with scalability in mind, meaning it can be flexibly expanded both at the site and for future applications or other areas.

“With the 5G campus network at Container Terminal Altenwerder, we are taking an important step forward in the digitalisation of port logistics together with HHLA,” says Klaus Werner, Managing Director Business Customers, at Telekom Deutschland.

“The solution shows how modern mobile communications technology makes complex processes more efficient, transparent and flexible.”

Project testing under real conditions

The integration of this private wireless network allows HHLA and its partners to test and deploy new technologies directly in a live terminal environment. This ensures that logistical applications can be refined under actual working conditions.

“With the 5G campus network, we now have a high-performance and stable radio infrastructure on which we can test new applications realistically and put them directly into operation,” says Michael Albers, HHLA Project Manager. 

At the same time, we can test and further develop solutions with our partners under real conditions in our terminal. For us, this is an important step towards driving forward the networking and automation of the CTA in a targeted manner.” 

The collaboration between HHLA and its telecommunications partners aims to demonstrate how modern connectivity can streamline complex industrial workflows.

Driving digital transformation

By creating a dedicated testing field, the project provides a platform for trial applications that could eventually be deployed across other ports. Secure and high-performance connectivity is increasingly viewed as an essential component of modern logistics infrastructure.

“Ports everywhere are accelerating their digital transformation, and private 5G has become a key enabler for resilient, efficient logistics,” says Duncan Hawkins, Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa Enterprise Sales, Ericsson.

“This dedicated 5G campus network, powered by Ericsson Private 5G and implemented with Deutsche Telekom, provides secure, high-performance connectivity for autonomous transport, real-time video and sensor-driven processes while serving as a PROCON-5G test field for new applications. 

“It creates a scalable blueprint for the next generation of smart port operations in Germany and beyond.” 

The PROCON-5G project is one of several initiatives funded under the ‘Digital Test Fields in Ports’ funding program. 

Through this initiative, the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), based on a resolution of the German Bundestag, is supporting digital infrastructure expansion in Germany's seaports and inland ports. 

The goal is to establish digital test environments for the development and validation of innovative technologies and applications. TÜV Rheinland acts as the project management agency for the funding program.