How Nokia Edge Technology is Enhancing Port Operations

Maher Terminals is advancing its operations with the deployment of Nokia Edge and private wireless.

As a leading terminal operator in North America, Maher Terminals depends on reliable, real-time data to drive greater efficiency.

Through new wireless connectivity and devices, Nokia and Future Technologies Venture are delivering that critical data.

Meeting demand 

Maher Terminals operates a 450-acre marine container facility in Port Elizabeth, part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Serving as a critical link in global cargo movement, the terminal focuses on cost-efficient operations to support customer competitiveness in international trade.

Handling more than two million containers annually, Maher Terminals is expanding efforts to streamline processes and optimise efficiency through advanced technology.

To achieve this, the company has partnered with Nokia to bring real-time data and analytics into its operations, strengthening accuracy and fluidity across the terminal.

Laura Markham, CIO of Maher Terminals, says: “We chose the Nokia solution to enhance our wireless connectivity, security and scalability to improve our equipment’s network reliability and communications, as well as providing superior connectivity options as we deploy advanced cargo handling and identification capabilities.

"The private wireless aspects also helped us meet our cybersecurity objectives in securing port operations."

Operational efficiency with Nokia

Nokia, together with its partner Future Technologies Venture (FTV), is deploying the Nokia Edge platform to deliver advanced technological solutions at the terminal.

Through private wireless connectivity, devices and applications that enable real-time data and analytics, Maher is boosting the efficiency of terminal operations while strengthening yard management, crane management and gate operations.

With so many moving parts impacting port performance, ensuring seamless operations is critical. Maher also required secure and dependable systems, made possible through high-bandwidth, low-latency wireless connectivity.

Nokia delivers this in a single integrated platform, supported by FTV, a North American provider of end-to-end network solutions for sectors including manufacturing, energy, transportation, military and government.

FTV’s expertise spans Private 5G, fixed wireless, Wi-Fi and AI, enabling critical infrastructure for enterprise customers.

By combining Nokia’s technology with FTV’s specialist solutions, Maher Terminals is undergoing a significant operational transformation, simplifying processes and driving greater efficiency.

“We are proud to partner with Nokia to deliver a turnkey solution for Maher Terminals," adds Peter Cappiello, CEO of Future Technologies Venture LLC.

"As a leading provider of IT solutions and services, we understand the needs and challenges of the transportation and logistics industry."

"We selected the Nokia Edge platform and related solutions because they scale and can flexibly support a wide range of use cases and applications for our customers."

Digitalising supply chains

The Nokia Edge platform features Nokia DAC (Digital Automation Cloud), delivering dependable private wireless connectivity with the business-critical reliability and seamless mobility required for terminal operations.

It also incorporates MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), enabling the use of diverse applications to support intelligent shop floor operations and facilitate data sharing across the organisation.

Within the terminal, this capability ensures workers across the 450-acre site gain a comprehensive view of processes.

Additionally, the platform integrates ruggedised industrial devices, Nokia Industrial Device Management, and Network Digital Twin, further strengthening operational visibility and control.

“We are excited to collaborate with Future Technologies Venture and deploy a platform that will help Maher Terminals achieve its business and sustainability goals," says David de Lancellotti, Vice President of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia.

"With our Edge platform for industries that integrates devices, edge computing, applications and private wireless connectivity, Maher Terminals will enhance their operational efficiency and visibility across their port operations."

The Nokia Industrial devices will connect workers and equipment, such as straddle carriers, to the network, ensuring seamless data transfer and communication.

These devices also allow for remote upgrades and configuration, reducing delays typically caused by software updates.

With Nokia Network Digital Twin, Maher Terminals can create more accurate and detailed plans by leveraging live telemetry, which continuously validates the terminal’s high-bandwidth, low-latency wireless connectivity.

By integrating Nokia’s products with the solutions expertise of Future Technologies, Maher Terminals is poised to achieve new levels of operational efficiency, enhancing daily processes while securely meeting the growing demands of its customers.