Verizon and Nokia Partner to Power Thames Freeport with Private 5G for Smarter Ports and Manufacturing

Verizon and Nokia Partner to Power Thames Freeport with Private 5G for Smarter Ports and Manufacturing

(IN BRIEF) Verizon Business and Nokia will deploy private 5G networks across the Thames Freeport’s main logistics and manufacturing sites—DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury, and Ford Dagenham—to support AI analytics, autonomous vehicle control, and real-time logistics orchestration. Backed by Nokia’s DAC and MXIE platforms, this multi-billion-dollar project underpins economic regeneration goals, including 5,000 new skilled jobs by 2030 and enhanced collaboration among tenants. Key executives highlight private 5G’s role in operational efficiency, innovation, community development, and sustainable growth, with network governance handled locally by Thames Freeport stakeholders.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 26-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Verizon Business and Nokia have joined forces to roll out multiple Private 5G Networks at strategic industrial sites throughout the Thames Freeport—one of the UK’s premier maritime logistics and manufacturing hubs. As a designated Free Trade Zone, the Thames Freeport aims to spur economic growth, generate skilled employment, and attract international investment to the River Thames Estuary region.

Under this collaboration, Verizon Private 5G will underpin a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar transformation, delivering a robust, scalable connectivity framework for AI-driven analytics, edge computing, and IoT deployments. These networks will power use cases such as autonomous vehicle control, predictive maintenance, real-time logistics coordination, and R&D innovation across key locations:

• DP World London Gateway & Logistics Park: The UK’s largest deep-sea container port, handling over 3 million units annually, with integrated rail services and a 9.25 million sq ft high-tech logistics center.
• Port of Tilbury: A mixed-use facility managing 16 million tonnes of cargo per year across 31 terminals, serving construction, automotive, and food & drink sectors.
• Ford Dagenham: London’s largest manufacturing complex, offering proximity to suppliers and end-markets for streamlined production.

Jennifer Artley, SVP of 5G Acceleration at Verizon Business, remarked, “Our partnership with Thames Freeport and Nokia showcases private 5G’s capacity to drive operational excellence and community revitalization. Beyond efficiency gains, we’re laying the foundation for new revenue streams, local job training, and sustained commercial investment.”

Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC)

Nokia will supply the full hardware and software stack, including Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE). David de Lancellotti, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia, noted, “This deployment is one of Europe’s largest private 5G initiatives in a port environment. By integrating industrial edge and private wireless, we’re enabling advanced applications—from smart cargo tracking to real-time environmental monitoring—that will accelerate sustainable growth and economic opportunity.”

Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport, added, “Investing in private 5G isn’t merely a network upgrade; it’s the backbone of our mission to stimulate trade, foster innovation, and create high-value jobs. This technology will empower tenants like Ford, DP World, and Forth Ports to optimize operations, develop circular economy models, and deliver near-real-time diagnostics in public services.”

Thames Freeport has already generated 1,400 roles and targets 5,000 by 2030, with a strong emphasis on upskilling local talent. Responsibility for network management will rest with the Freeport and its tenant shareholders, ensuring bespoke connectivity and data autonomy.

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow.

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SOURCE: Nokia