Ports are dynamic hubs of activity, but they are also hotspots for maritime incidents, over 2,000 accidents are reported worldwide each year, with around half occurring within port areas. Recognizing the growing need for safer and more sustainable operations, SMA-RTY is leading MTCOM, a project aimed at transforming port surveillance and environmental monitoring.

MTCOM (Marine Terrestrial 5G Communications for Autonomous Drones) is developed in collaboration with SITEP Italia S.p.a., Infocom srl, EdgeLab S.p.A., and Università degli Studi di Genova (UNIGE). The project combines NGCI 5G connectivity with Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of port environments.

MTCOM Infrastructure Robust 5G Connectivity

The Gulf of La Spezia has been chosen as the testbed for MTCOM, given its mix of military, industrial, and tourism activities. This complex setting allows the project to evaluate its technologies under real-world conditions. By enabling USVs to operate through a robust 5G network, MTCOM can detect potential hazards, prevent accidents, monitor pollution, and protect biodiversity.

The project’s infrastructure in the Gulf of La Spezia includes three NGCI 5G cells: a main cell with a command and control unit and two secondary cells. Each cell forms its own 5G coverage area, and all three are interconnected via fiber, providing seamless, stable communication across the network. This setup enables reliable navigation, positioning, and coordination for USVs, supporting coastal monitoring, pollution control, and security operations.

Field Tests Real-Time Monitoring in Action

As part of initial experiments, SMA-RTY deployed its NGCI 5G solution at the CSSN in La Spezia during the Italian Navy’s OPEX exercises. For these first tests, the 5G antenna was placed just 2 meters above sea level, much lower than usual. Despite this limitation, coverage remained solid across most of the Gulf, with stable connectivity along the entire route.

Analysis of the collected data confirmed the network’s reliability, demonstrating that, once the MTCOM 5G antennas are installed in optimal positions, the system is expected to provide full coverage across the entire Gulf. This early success validates the strength of SMA-RTY’s NGCI infrastructure and its ability to support real-time monitoring and safe, coordinated maritime operations.

Applications and Benefits Safety and Environmental Protection

But what does MTCOM actually do in practice? It can serve multiple purposes in ports and coastal areas. One key application is accident prevention: autonomous drones continuously monitor vessel movements, spotting risks early and allowing operators to intervene before collisions or unsafe maneuvers occur.

Another important use is environmental protection. The system tracks water quality and detects spills, leaks, or infrastructure damage in real time, helping to minimize environmental harm and protect sensitive ecosystems.

MTCOM also supports biodiversity monitoring. By observing marine life and detecting anomalies, it helps maintain healthy habitats even in busy port areas.

Overall, these applications show how MTCOM turns continuous monitoring into practical, actionable benefits, enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in a single solution.

Multi-Domain Relevance

MTCOM is part of SMA-RTY’s multi-domain vision, integrating maritime, aerial, and underwater operations. Alongside projects like MUSICA, it illustrates how advanced 5G networks empower autonomous systems to operate across different environments, enhancing situational awareness, operational efficiency, and environmental protection.

By enabling continuous monitoring and proactive responses, MTCOM opens the door to smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime operations.

Partners: SMA-RTY, SITEP, INFOCOM, EDGELAB, UNIGE

Key Technologies: 5G connectivity, USVs, real-time monitoring, multi-domain communication