ASRY and stc Bahrain partner to advance shipyard automation with private 5G
Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) has partnered with telecommunications provider stc Bahrain to introduce a private 5G network across its shipyard facilities, supporting the development of automated operations and industrial digital technologies.
The companies described the initiative, announced on November 11, 2026, as Bahrain’s first commercial private 5G network. Designed for industrial and maritime applications, the infrastructure is intended to provide secure, low-latency connectivity for operational systems that require reliable data transmission and real-time monitoring.
The network will support ASRY’s broader digital transformation programme, with planned applications including artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems, digital twin technology and autonomous inspection robots. These capabilities are intended to improve equipment monitoring, asset management and workplace safety while establishing the infrastructure needed for further automation.
Supporting automated shipyard operations
Beyond monitoring and inspections, the companies expect the network to support increasingly automated industrial activities, including robotic hull cleaning, welding and surface preparation. Such applications require consistent connectivity between equipment, sensors and operational control systems, particularly in large industrial environments where conventional wireless infrastructure can face limitations.
ASRY Deputy Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa said the initiative would support the company’s efforts to improve operational efficiency through digitalisation and automation. He also highlighted the potential for real-time data analytics to improve operational decision-making.
Hesham Mustafa, Chief Business and Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain, said the partnership would provide the connectivity infrastructure needed to support industrial IoT, artificial intelligence and robotics within ASRY’s operations.
While stc Bahrain has described the initial network deployment as completed, ASRY’s announcement refers to its rollout across the shipyard facilities. Neither company has provided a detailed implementation timetable for the proposed automation applications or disclosed the financial value of the project.
The partnership represents a step towards integrating advanced connectivity into shipbuilding and repair operations, where digital monitoring, automated inspections and robotic maintenance could gradually change how industrial activities are managed.
The operational impact will depend on the subsequent deployment of the planned technologies and their integration into the shipyard’s existing processes.
