Finland-led project achieves 5G breakthrough at sea

This breakthrough in maritime connectivity was achieved as part of the EU-funded 5G-ROUTES project and aims to enhance communication, safety and passenger experiences at sea.

The trial near Turku, Finland, demonstrated how 5G technology could overcome traditional connectivity limitations in maritime settings. It combined public 5G networks, private vessel-based 5G and satellite communications to create a so-called multi-hop 5G solution. It was able to extend 5G coverage up to 10 kilometres offshore. 

“This was a groundbreaking multi-hop test of 5G networks in a maritime environment,” said Anne Lönnqvist, research manager at VTT. “The project aims to solve the coverage and capacity challenges for data transmission at sea, to allow [for] the creation of new solutions for passengers and the whole maritime industry.” 

The multi-hop system was tested on two vessels in the Turku—Stockholm maritime corridor. The vessel closer to the coastline acted as a hub to provide high-speed connectivity to the second vessel located further offshore. The setup enabled continuous data transfer and reliable internet access for applications such as real-time video communication and virtual reality tools.

VTT led the demonstration with Vediafi, Cumucore and Airbus, with support from Ericsson, Nokia, Digita, DNA, Telia and Goodmill Systems. 

“This solution represents a significant advancement in maritime connectivity by ensuring redundancy in communication even when satellite coverage is unavailable,” said Mika Skarp, senior business development manager at Cumucore. “The multi-hop 5G approach lifts the reliability and bandwidth of maritime networks to a whole new level worldwide.”

A rising tide of opportunities

The multi-hop system provides an opportunity to develop new applications and services for the sea cluster. However, Kati Kõrbe, 5G-ROUTES project manager from Ericsson Estonia, pointed out that while the higher bandwidth provided by the system allows for more versatile types of data services, the solution is still in the proof-of-concept phase.

“The main constraints lie in national regulation, the density and pattern of vessel traffic and access to the public 5G network in areas where the capacity may be limited,” Kõrbe said.

The 5G-ROUTES project, funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, seeks to demonstrate innovative 5G applications for cross-border mobility in road and maritime sectors. In Finland, the project taps into the country’s expertise in the maritime industry and developing high-speed networks. VTT is also active in the 6G space, and, earlier this year, it announced that it is coordinating the 6G-Cloud project in Europe.