LMT gaining international recognition with a 5G project in the Baltic Sea

The leading mobile communications operator in Latvia Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) in cooperation with LVR Flote and the Freeport of Riga Authority has received high international praise for an innovative 5G solution in maritime connectivity. Thanks to this unique technology, Riga Port received the prestigious International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAHP) Sustainability Award in category “Digitalisation” besting the competition by the ports of Montreal and Abu Dhabi. This award is given to projects that significantly improve the work of ports through digitalisation while reducing adverse environmental impact.

The project “Seamless 5G Connectivity in the Baltic Sea” was first demonstrated at Riga Port this summer. During the demo, the effectiveness of the solution was proved not only by using vessels, but also air-born and maritime drones. According to LMT, this is the first known 5G connectivity solution integrating such technologies, and it is currently one-of-a-kind not only in the Baltic region, but the world.

The new technology ensures continuous 5G connectivity and transfer of immense amounts of data in real-time in maritime conditions, thus significantly improving vessel communication and the operational efficiency of the port. The aim of the project is to promote connectivity in the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea, thus facilitating sustainable development in the shipping and port industry.

Maritime connectivity is the ability to ensure stable and continuous operation of communication networks in maritime conditions allowing for the transmission of data, communication and management of digital processes on water, including between vessels, ports, drones and sensors. Ensuring stable and fast connectivity over water is a technologically complex process. Juris Binde, President of LMT, emphasises that the maritime environment presents some of the most complex challenges in providing high-quality and fast communications. LMT has been working with 5G technologies for several years already, and so, as the company notes, this project attests to Latvia’s innovation capacity; not only does this strengthen national competitiveness, but it also opens extensive export opportunities.

This 5G technology is a vivid example of successful collaboration between the public and private sector. LMT and LVR Flote began their partnership in 2022 by signing a memorandum on developing innovations and testing 5G technologies. This has resulted in a solution that may significantly contribute to the global digital transformation.

The IAPH Sustainability Awards presented during the IAPH World Ports Conference in Hamburg showcase the best sustainability projects from across the globe. This year, 71 projects competed in 6 categories, and the winners were determined by a jury assessment and a popular vote. Riga Port was the only European port to be nominated for the award in the “Digitalisation” category, thus attesting to Latvia’s important role in international technological development.

LMT is one of the leading technology companies in Latvia specialising in mobile communications, internet and digital solutions. The company works, inter alia, with 5G network development, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, as well as innovative platforms, such as smart city management systems, drone technologies, artificial intelligence solutions and cloud computing services. 

Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund