Valencia demonstration proves the viability of USV navigation using 5G connection.
UTEK successfully completed its participation in IMAGINE-B5G Open Call 3, testing Autonomous Surface Vehicles at the Fundacion Valencia Port facility over a 6-month period. The trials demonstrated smooth navigation and autonomous situational awareness showcasing the potential of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (USVs) for ports security and surveillance.
5G technology is transforming autonomous maritime operations by enabling reliable, real-time connectivity for USVs in ports and coastal areas. By integrating 5G-enabled autonomous vessels, port authorities and maritime operators can significantly improve operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in modern maritime security and surveillance missions.
IMAGINE-B5G is a Horizon Europe / SNS JU initiative that provides an advanced end-to-end 5G/B5G platform enabling large-scale trials and pilots across Europe. The project federates experimental facilities in Norway, Spain, Portugal, and France, offering SMEs, start-ups, academia, and industry access to test innovative vertical applications and platform extensions.
The ABYSS project aimed to address prove how 5G improves the efficiency and flexibility of autonomous maritime operations. UTEK deployed the Kaluga USV using the Valencia Port facility to test various operations as maritime surveillance, incident detection, deployment of lifebuoys or identification of maritime pollution. The methodology included first two tests in Nokia Facilities and a final demonstration near the Patacona Beach, in Valencia. We achieved the following results:
- Successful demonstrations on the planned scenarios
- Prove the enhancement on maritime
- operations thanks to autonomous vessels
- Check the 5G quality signal in maritime environments
The project contributed to the enhancement of coastline operations by improving its performance and reducing its coast. Additionally, a 5G signal quality mapping of the Valencia coast was created for anyone that might need it. These results demonstrate the readiness of Autonomous Surface Vehicles for commercial deployment and strengthen Europe’s position in the B5G ecosystem.
UTEK is already commercialising the solution to help the sector improving their capabilities.
