Riga, Latvia
By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News
May 26, 2025 – Section: TECH
In a move set to redefine maritime operations in the Baltic, the Port of Riga has launched an industrial-grade 5G network capable of extending offshore — a first in Europe’s port infrastructure strategy.
The network, unveiled this weekend, links vessels, port terminals, drones, and remote control centers under a single high-speed digital layer. It’s not just about coverage — it’s about command, coordination, and clarity in real time.
“This technology gives us a living picture of what’s happening at sea, on the docks, and everywhere in between,” said Andris Ozols, Director of the Freeport of Riga. “It’s a logistics enabler, a safety tool, and an innovation driver all at once.”
Unlike traditional port Wi-Fi or shipboard radio, the new system uses a relay-based 5G structure — ships at sea can pass signal among each other, maintaining data connection even more than 100 kilometers from shore. That means uninterrupted transmission for cargo positioning, drone surveillance, and live crew communication.
With the new 5G backbone in place, Riga’s port authority is preparing to launch a centralized command platform that will integrate berthing, cargo monitoring, and predictive maintenance into one interface — operated from shore, but responsive across the water.
“The value of this rollout isn’t just in better speed,” explained Ilze Kalnina, a maritime innovation expert based in Vilnius. “It’s about intelligent reaction time — from weather alerts to collision avoidance.”
Currently, the port sees more than 2,500 ship calls annually. By next year, the goal is to digitize 90% of portside logistics and enable remote management of routine marine operations.
The deployment comes as European ports face mounting pressure to modernize without expanding physical capacity. Riga’s answer: smarter infrastructure, not just bigger.
The initiative aligns with Latvia’s broader digital transformation strategy, positioning the country — and its busiest port — as a testbed for future-ready maritime technologies.
✎ Maria Kalamatas
Senior Correspondent – Technology & Innovation
The Logistic News
