# Klaipėda Port completes private 5G network trials - **Source:** https://pelavox.com/klaipeda-port-completes-private-5g-network-trials/ - **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping) - **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom - **Published:** 2026-10-09T13:43:33+00:00 - **Updated:** 2026-10-09T13:43:33+00:00 - **Section:** Ports - **Type:** News - **Topics:** Baltic Container Terminal, LMT Group, LVR Flote, Port of Klaipėda, Santa Monica Networks The Port of Klaipėda in Lithuania has completed trials of a private 5G network, marking progress towards the potential introduction of dedicated wireless connectivity across its operations. Technology companies Santa Monica Networks and Latvia’s LMT Group have also completed the design phase for a proposed port-wide private 5G network, while demonstrating applications involving autonomous drones, unmanned vessels and operational data management. The Klaipėda Port 5G network project is intended to support digitalisation, automation and secure communications across the port’s infrastructure. However, the completion of the trials and design work does not represent the deployment of a fully operational port-wide network. A timetable for its potential implementation has not been announced. ## Klaipėda Port 5G network demonstrates operational applications The trials brought together executives and IT specialists from companies operating at the Port of Klaipėda. Santa Monica Networks, LMT and their technology partners demonstrated how private 5G connectivity could support equipment, data exchange and automated processes in an active port environment. The demonstrations focused on practical applications rather than connectivity performance alone. As ports increasingly adopt digital systems, communication networks must support a growing number of connected machines, sensors and operational platforms. Mindaugas Žiūkas, Director of Santa Monica Networks, said reliable connectivity is becoming increasingly important as port operations depend more heavily on digital technologies. He identified operational efficiency, automation and the management of machinery and data as areas where private 5G infrastructure could provide benefits. The proposed network would give the port greater control over connected devices and communication priorities, particularly for processes requiring reliable data transmission. According to the companies, the project could also support coordinated operations during incidents by allowing certain communications and operational systems to be prioritised. ## Autonomous drones and unmanned vessels tested Among the technologies demonstrated was an autonomous drone-in-a-box system developed by Atlas. The solution combines the AtlasNEST platform with the AtlasPRO unmanned aerial system, allowing drones to be deployed, operated, recovered and recharged remotely. The technology is designed to support inspections, monitoring and situational awareness, including operations in port areas that may be difficult to access. By reducing the need for direct human involvement in routine deployment and recovery, such systems could support more automated inspection activities. Another demonstration involved the Otter uncrewed surface vessel, presented by Latvian port technical services provider LVR Flote. The vessel is used for hydrographic surveys of harbour beds, collecting information that can support port maintenance and navigation-related operations. LVR Flote also demonstrated tools designed to improve the transfer and processing of large hydrographic datasets. These included a data pre-processing solution capable of applying initial filtering before detailed quality control is carried out by hydrographers. Combined with private 5G connectivity, the technologies are intended to reduce manual processing and shorten the time between data collection and analysis. Kaspars Ozoliņš, Member of the Board of LVR Flote, highlighted the importance of reliable communications for digital port operations. “For any digital solution to work in practice, safe, reliable and secure connectivity is essential, especially in critical infrastructure such as ports,” said Ozoliņš. The announcement does not provide quantified results showing how much time the demonstrated systems saved or how their performance compared with existing operational methods. ## Private 5G could strengthen port connectivity Unlike conventional public mobile networks, a private 5G system can provide an organisation with greater control over its communication infrastructure. For the Port of Klaipėda, the proposed network would allow connected devices and operational processes to be managed according to specific port requirements. This could include prioritising communications for important equipment, controlling which devices access the network and retaining selected operational data within the port’s infrastructure. Such capabilities are particularly relevant in environments where different activities take place simultaneously and reliable communication is required between equipment and operating systems. Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, identified connectivity and automation as important elements of the port’s future development. “A private 5G network could unlock even more opportunities for the Port of Klaipėda by enabling the implementation of advanced solutions, process automation, and increased operational capacity,” said Latakas. He also emphasised the importance of secure data transmission and reliable connectivity during exceptional circumstances. The port authority has not announced a final investment decision, deployment budget or implementation schedule for the proposed network. ## LMT brings experience from the Port of Riga The Klaipėda project draws on LMT Group’s previous experience with private 5G infrastructure in the maritime sector. The Latvian telecommunications company installed a private 5G network at the Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) in the Port of Riga. According to LMT, the network was the first private 5G installation in the Baltic states. It covers more than 50 hectares and is already being used in daily terminal operations. The infrastructure provides connectivity for mobile machinery and supports communications considered critical to terminal activities. Aigars Runcis, Director of the Ventures Department at LMT, said the Klaipėda demonstrations illustrated the potential for private 5G networks to support a wider range of port technologies. “Private 5G is not connectivity for its own sake – it is the foundation for smarter, safer, and more efficient port operations,” said Runcis. The experience gained in Riga is being applied to the development of connectivity solutions for other ports, including Klaipėda. For the Lithuanian port, the completed trials and network design establish a technical basis for considering wider deployment. The next stage will depend on decisions regarding implementation, investment and the operational requirements of companies working within the port. --- Cite as: "Klaipėda Port completes private 5G network trials", pelavox., 9 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/klaipeda-port-completes-private-5g-network-trials/