ZTE has collaborated with the China Eastern Navigation Service Center, China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) Shanghai Branch, and China Telecom Shanghai Branch to develop a new 5G-A smart vessel traffic service system.
This collaboration aims to revolutionise traditional vessel traffic services with 5G-A technological innovations. The project has been recognised with the “First Prize” at the 7th “Blooming Cup” 5G Application Competition—Shanghai Regional Contest.
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Water transport, responsible for handling approximately 80% of global cargo, is experiencing growing demand and management challenges.
The new system utilises existing 5G-A networks for seamless waterway coverage, enabling low-cost and rapid deployment.
The technology aims to improve monitoring capabilities, minimise accidents, and boost operational efficiency by complementing the current waterway monitoring systems with an end-to-end waterway management solution.
Traditional technologies, such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) and cameras, have limitations such as slow data updates that 5G-A networks overcome with faster reporting and all-weather performance.
The cost-effective nature of 5G-A, compared to expensive radar systems, is a key advantage, according to the company.
The technology was successfully demonstrated on the Shanghai Huangpu River.
The integration of 5G-A Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) with traditional vessel traffic services enables continuous, all-weather waterway management, with rapid data updates and active detection capabilities to reduce accidents.
The system provides a visual overview of waterway conditions, reducing operational and maintenance costs.
It supports ship tracking and automated terminal operations, and integrates AIS, cameras, and 5G-A ISAC for a comprehensive vessel traffic service system.
This system adapts to various network scales and service needs, with potential expansion from Shanghai’s waterways and the Yangtze River to global locations.
