The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), together with the Port of Tyne, Oxa and industry and academic partners, has completed the Port-Connected and Automated Logistics (P-CAL) project, supporting the region’s development in connected and automated mobility.
Delivered through the UK government’s CAM Pathfinder program, P‑CAL was designed to push the boundaries of autonomous logistics. Building on the North East’s earlier 5G CAL and V‑CAL initiatives, the project moved autonomous technology from proof‑of‑concept trials into a real‑world operational setting.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said, “P‑CAL represents a defining moment in the North East’s journey from pilot projects to real‑world autonomous operations. This project has demonstrated not only technical capability, but the strength of collaboration across industry, academia and government.” He continued, “The learning gained here will shape future CAM deployment and reinforce the region’s position as a national leader in connected and automated mobility.”
The consortium successfully designed, integrated and tested an autonomous container transportation solution capable of operating on a busy quayside. The work included the deployment of a fully autonomous terminal tractor supported by a secure mesh communication network, the capability to integrate with terminal operating systems, real‑time coordination with live crane movements and the implementation of a robust cybersecurity framework.
The system was developed and tested within a newly defined complex operational design domain (ODD), reflecting the realities of a working port environment where traffic density, variable conditions and human interaction present unique challenges.
Graeme Hardie, operations director at the Port of Tyne, explained, “Delivering autonomous logistics in a live port environment has been a major step forward for the sector. P‑CAL has shown what’s possible when innovation is applied to real operational challenges, improving safety, efficiency and sustainability.”
The project was delivered by a regional and national partnership led by the NEAA, bringing together the Port of Tyne, Oxa, Nissan, Newcastle University, Angoka, Logisteed UK (formerly Vantec Europe) and Womble Bond Dickinson.
Paul Newman, founder and CEO of Oxa, commented, “Through the project, we’ve demonstrated that existing work vehicles can be turned into a digital workforce – successfully completing autonomous container movements in a dynamic quayside environment, while providing worksite intelligence necessary for real-time industrial optimization.”
Cyber resilience was a fundamental requirement of the project, ensuring that connected systems could operate safely and securely within critical infrastructure.
Shadi Razak, CTO at Angoka, said, “The project has demonstrated how secure, purpose‑built digital infrastructure can enable safe and trusted autonomous operations in critical industrial environments. This work sets an important example for the future of connected logistics and industrial automation.”
The P‑CAL project demonstrated that autonomous movements can be carried out safely and reliably in a controlled area. The next phase will examine how the system performs across broader port operations, including the added pressures of multiple vehicles working alongside people, equipment and live commercial activity.
Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, added, “P‑CAL is a strong example of how government and industry can work together to accelerate the commercial readiness of CAM technologies. Projects like this are vital in turning innovation into deployment, creating high‑value jobs and ensuring the UK remains globally competitive in connected and automated mobility.”
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