Port of Blyth becomes Tech Hub with Private 5G Network Innovation Lab
23 July 2024 | Blyth, England
- Boldyn Networks to establish a world-class 5G Innovation Lab in the Port of Blyth, enabled by a private 5G network funded by the North East Combined Authority.
- 5G Innovation Lab will provide businesses with access to ultra-fast connectivity, innovation facilities and co-working spaces, in a boost to the regional economy.
- The facility will also contribute to the development of 5G-based solutions for the offshore energy sector, supporting a more sustainable future for the UK.
A private 5G network-enabled Innovation Lab is set to transform the Port of Blyth into the England North East's premier technology hub, providing unprecedented access to 5G technology for industries in the North East region.
Boldyn Networks, a leader in shared communications infrastructure, will create a dynamic environment for businesses of all sizes to develop and test 5G-based products, driving growth and innovation in the region’s key sectors, including the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.
Funded by over half a million pounds investment from the North East Combined Authority’s 5G Innovation Acceleration programme, Boldyn Networks will design and build a secure, high-bandwidth private 5G network. This network will serve as a testing ground for Industry 4.0 and businesses to test new ideas, learn about 5G and develop solutions before costly investment is needed.
The lab will foster a collaborative ecosystem, attracting investment and generating skilled jobs within the region. Businesses of all sizes will benefit from dedicated innovation facilities, co-working spaces, and specialised equipment, enabling them to test and demonstrate their technologies in real-world conditions with reliable, high-speed communications. Local organisations will also be engaged in the project to help businesses in the region scale up, innovate and access funding for 5G innovation.
Local educational institutions, including Bede College and Advance Northumberland, will also benefit, by integrating a more digitally skilled curriculum for their STEM students and industry-specific training.
Cllr Nick Kemp, portfolio holder for economy at the North East Combined Authority and leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "This project will remove barriers to accessing, testing, and piloting 5G technology solutions for manufacturing and services companies within the Port of Blyth, regional ports and the wider North East region. It demonstrates the Combined Authority’s commitment to growing our region’s innovation potential – to create high-skilled jobs, grow our green economy and support offshore energy to get us to net zero. The project complements the work already being done by the ORE catapult in robotics, autonomous systems, big data, AI, and next-gen tech – and will reduce the likelihood that businesses based in the region fall behind the curve on 5G adoption.”
Alasdair Kerr, Commercial Director at Port of Blyth said: “We are delighted to welcome the first ever 5G Innovation Lab to Blyth. At the Port of Blyth, we pride ourselves on offering turnkey solutions to our customers. The Innovation Lab will provide a unique digital offering, enabling the exploration of innovative 5G technology solutions for the offshore renewable energy sector from a state-of-the-art facility on site.”
Fionnuala Furmston, Head of UK Sales Private Networks at Boldyn Networks, said: “Boldyn Networks is delighted to bring our private 5G networks expertise to create the Port of Blyth’s 5G Innovation Lab. The new hub will unleash the region’s potential paving the way for new digital solutions that support a smarter and greener future for the UK.”
The official launch is planned for September and will welcome all industries to test out the latest use cases unlocking the future of Industry 4.0 evolution.
About Port of Blyth
Port of Blyth is the port operating division of Blyth Harbour Commission, an independent statutory trust established in 1882. It is one of the largest Trust Port’s in the UK handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth.
Together with major logistics and training divisions, the Port group has a growing turnover exceeding £31 million, driven by growth across a variety of sectors but particularly offshore energy, with the Port is now recognised as a major strategic east coast base supporting the sector. Other trade handled includes containers, dry bulks (coal, aggregates, cement etc.) and marine fuels.
As a Trust Port, all profits are re-invested back into the Port to improve facilities and to provide benefits for its wider stakeholders.
www.portofblyth.co.uk
About North East Combined Authority
North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.