Boldyn Networks, a leading shared network specialist headquartered in the UK, has announced plans to design and build a private 5G network at the Port of Blyth in Northumberland, UK. This state-of-the-art infrastructure, featuring an HPE/Athonet core network and an anticipated Airspan radio network, will support a new innovation lab at the port. This lab will enable local enterprises to test and develop 5G-based Industry 4.0 solutions, with a particular focus on the offshore energy sector. The North East Combined Authority is funding this project with a £500,000 investment.

Strategically located between Aberdeen, Scotland, and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, the Port of Blyth is a crucial support base for offshore energy production along the UK's east coast in the North Sea. The port serves as an operational hub for the UK’s offshore energy industry, encompassing wind farms, oil, and gas production. It offers development land, open storage, lift quays, and comprehensive logistics infrastructure.

The port hosts the Energy Central partnership, which supports inward investment from the renewables sector. It is home to test facilities operated by the UK government's Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the Northumberland Energy Park development, and EDF’s Blyth Offshore Demonstrator Wind Farm. Adjacent to a significant coastal wind farm in East Bedlington, the network and lab are scheduled to open in September.

In a statement, Boldyn Networks highlighted the collaborative and economic benefits of the new lab: “The lab will foster a collaborative ecosystem, attracting investment and generating skilled jobs within the region. Businesses of all sizes will benefit from dedicated innovation facilities, co-working spaces, and specialised equipment, enabling them to test and demonstrate technologies in real-world conditions. Local organisations will also be engaged in the project to help businesses in the region scale up.” They added, “This network will serve as a testing ground for Industry 4.0, allowing businesses to explore new ideas, learn about 5G, and develop solutions before making costly investments.”

The North East Combined Authority, which represents seven member councils in the region, is providing the funding. Regional educational institutions, including Bede College and Advance Northumberland, will have access to the facility for STEM students and industry-specific training.

Nick Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Economy at the North East Combined Authority and Leader of Newcastle City Council, stated: “This project will remove barriers to accessing, testing, and piloting 5G technology solutions for manufacturing and services companies within the region. It demonstrates our commitment to creating high-skilled jobs, growing our green economy, and supporting offshore energy to achieve net zero. The project complements the work already being done by the ORE Catapult in robotics, autonomous systems, big data, AI, and next-gen tech, and will reduce the likelihood that businesses based in the region fall behind the curve on 5G adoption.”

Alasdair Kerr, Commercial Director at Port of Blyth, remarked: “This initiative will provide a unique digital offering, enabling the exploration of innovative 5G solutions for the offshore renewable energy sector.” Fionnuala Furmston, Head of UK Private Network Sales at Boldyn Networks, added: “The new hub will unleash the region’s potential, paving the way for new digital solutions that support a smarter and greener future for the UK.”

Boldyn Networks is also engaged in the nearby 5G smart-city project in Sunderland, where they are developing private open RAN 5G infrastructure as part of the UK’s first city-owned ‘neutral host’ network for 5G and fibre. Airspan Networks has been recruited for the RAN infrastructure, focusing on enhancing connectivity for homes, city services, and local enterprises and industries.