Zebra's 5G-enabled devices are empowering port operators

Tahawul Tech

02-07-2025

Hozefa Saylawala, Regional Sales Director – MESTA, Zebra Technologies, outlines how with private 5G, port operators can now deploy tailored networks to improve the overall quality of service.
In maritime logistics, ports and container yards are massive, mission-critical environments that have often been underserved by robust connectivity and digital transformation. That's now changing, as it should – the world demands more from its logistics networks than ever before and as entry points to economies around the world, ports need to be equipped to cope with modern demands.
From Dubai to Dublin, port operators face growing complexity. Tighter turnaround windows, rising regulatory scrutiny and the constant demand to move more freight with fewer delays mean that operators need best-in-class technology to support them. At the heart of these challenges lies a need to connect frontline workers at the point of execution – precisely where Zebra excels.
As the tide shifts toward greater automation, real-time data and safer working environments, terminal operators are under pressure to modernise. The opportunity is clear – and Zebra Technologies is ready to help.
Why Ports Need a New Kind of Connectivity
Until recently, many ports around the world relied on legacy technologies like outdated radio systems or patchy Wi-Fi to cover sprawling yards, vast storage lots and dynamic, high-risk environments. Reliance on this outdated tech is largely due to the sheer scale of these ports, some of which rival small towns and cities. It's very difficult – and expensive – to modernise connectivity across these ports and yards in one fell swoop.
These bottlenecks are compounded by the fact that aging narrowband networks, which were once sufficient for low-data rate tasks, are reaching end-of-life, while Wi-Fi lacks the coverage for harsh, shifting terrains.
Enter private 5G.
Private 5G is very different to its public counterpart. Unlike public mobile networks, private 5G offers dedicated coverage over large industrial areas. With private 5G, port operators can now deploy tailored networks with guaranteed quality of service, secure device access and ultra-low latency. This connectivity breakthrough unlocks entirely new possibilities – real-time video for crane operators, live maintenance data for engineers and instant asset tracking for compliance officers.
The reasons for ports adopting these networks are clear and with an expanding portfolio of rugged, 5G-enabled devices, Zebra is the ideal partner for this transformation.
Built for Ports: Zebra's Hero Devices
Zebra devices are purpose-built for the complexity and rigor of terminal operations. These aren't consumer-grade tools; they're enterprise workhorses, designed for frontline productivity, tested to MIL standards and integrated into an end-to-end platform that's as reliable as it is flexible. Let's dive into what that looks like.
ET65 Rugged Tablet and ET4x Series : Ideal for supervisors and dockside teams who need real-time visibility and decision-making power. The ET65 offers enterprise-grade durability, brilliant display readability in outdoor conditions and seamless integration with port logistics platforms.
: Ideal for supervisors and dockside teams who need real-time visibility and decision-making power. The ET65 offers enterprise-grade durability, brilliant display readability in outdoor conditions and seamless integration with port logistics platforms. TC58 and TC27 Handheld Computers : Combining smartphone aesthetics with industrial reliability, these devices are built for high-touch roles – like asset verification, gate-in/gate-out processing or emergency response handling. The TC27 offers a lightweight option that feels familiar but performs like a pro.
: Combining smartphone aesthetics with industrial reliability, these devices are built for high-touch roles – like asset verification, gate-in/gate-out processing or emergency response handling. The TC27 offers a lightweight option that feels familiar but performs like a pro. MC3450 and MC9450 Mobile Computers: Equipped with physical keypads and long-range barcode scanning, these handhelds are tailor-made for container and cargo management. They excel in environments where gloves are the norm, rain is frequent, and reliability is everything.
Together, these devices empower port operations leaders, IT teams and safety personnel to work faster, smarter, and more safely, in any conditions.
Real Use Cases in Port & Yard Operations
It's all well and good talking about the devices that we're proud of and what they can do, but what would their impact on ports be? Put simply, Zebra's solutions serve as digital anchor points across the entire operational ecosystem. Some of the examples among many include:
Dockside Planning & Resource Allocation : Assign teams, track workflows and monitor vessel loading/unloading in real-time – all from rugged mobile tablets or enterprise handhelds connected via private 5G.
: Assign teams, track workflows and monitor vessel loading/unloading in real-time – all from rugged mobile tablets or enterprise handhelds connected via private 5G. Asset Management & Compliance : Know where every tool, spare part or hazardous material is. Zebra barcode scanners and mobile computers ensure nothing is misplaced, misused or missed.
: Know where every tool, spare part or hazardous material is. Zebra barcode scanners and mobile computers ensure nothing is misplaced, misused or missed. Maintenance & Safety Assurance : From crane inspections to shift signoffs, ensure only certified staff are doing the right job at the right time – with digital training logs and mobile verification tools.
: From crane inspections to shift signoffs, ensure only certified staff are doing the right job at the right time – with digital training logs and mobile verification tools. Personnel Visibility : Track who's on-site and where, improving emergency responsiveness, cutting downtime and supporting regulatory compliance.
: Track who's on-site and where, improving emergency responsiveness, cutting downtime and supporting regulatory compliance. Time-Critical Operations: When a ship is docked, every minute counts. Zebra helps reduce 'port time' with devices that support rapid task-switching and high-throughput data.
These are broad capabilities – but they are deployed with laser focus on port environments. As terminals accelerate their digitisation, Zebra helps customers move from reactive logistics to proactive logistics orchestration.
Designed for Success
This transformation is not one-size-fits-all, which is why Zebra's technology can be tailored to specific use cases. Ports around the world are built differently and beholden to different international law, so this flexibility is essential.
That's why with Zebra, customers (and resellers) don't just get hardware – they get a full-stack platform that includes:
Zebra DNA™ Software Suite : Embedded tools for device management, app integration and real-time alerts.
: Embedded tools for device management, app integration and real-time alerts. VisibilityIQ™ Foresight : Operational insights that help reduce device downtime and extend lifecycle value.
: Operational insights that help reduce device downtime and extend lifecycle value. Workcloud Communication: A unified system for frontline coordination – from handhelds to full workstations.
Enterprise-Ready, Environment-Resistant
A non-negotiable for any technology in ports is reliability. Unlike consumer devices that are built for everyday use but quickly falter in tough conditions, Zebra's portfolio is rugged by design and proven in the field.
Devices undergo thousands of test drops, can operate in extreme temperatures (-20°C to +60°C) and are built to withstand vibration, water, dust, and chemical exposure. That translates to fewer replacements, fewer repairs, greater up time, and a lower total cost of ownership
For procurement officers and IT leaders, it's the assurance of a clear return on investment. For operators and end-users, it's performance they can trust. And for you, it's peace of mind.
Partnering for Port Performance
Whether you're a terminal operator modernising legacy systems or a solution provider building custom tools for maritime logistics, Zebra is your partner for performance at the edge.
With a commitment to innovation, R&D investment five times that of competitors and decades of frontline expertise, Zebra is uniquely positioned to support the digital transformation of global port infrastructure.
Zebra Technologies: Trusted by Leaders. Built for You.
For more on Zebra's ports and yards capabilities – or to explore how you can integrate Zebra devices into your maritime solutions – visit zebra.com.