Beyond Connectivity: How Thames Freeport is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Ports and Industrial AI

Ports, logistics hubs, and industrial operators are under increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency, resilience, sustainability, workforce safety, and real-time operational visibility, all while preparing for automation and AI-driven operations.

Join Nokia, Verizon Business, and Thames Freeport for an exclusive industry session exploring how one of the UK’s most ambitious economic zones is deploying a large-scale multi-site Private 5G platform across ports, logistics, and manufacturing environments to enable smarter, more connected operations.

This session will provide real-world deployment insights from Thames Freeport, including initiatives across DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury, and Ford Dagenham, while exploring how Private 5G, Edge AI, and industrial digital infrastructure are supporting operational transformation at scale.

Attendees will gain practical insight into deployment architecture, operational use cases, industrial AI readiness, and lessons learned from delivering complex industrial connectivity environments.

Why Attend?

• Learn how large-scale industrial Private 5G is being deployed across real operational environments
• Hear practical lessons from one of Europe’s most advanced smart port and logistics ecosystems
• Understand how AI, Edge Computing, and Private Wireless are enabling automation and operational resilience
• Explore how ports and manufacturers can scale digital transformation beyond isolated use cases
• Gain insight into the partnerships, architecture, and deployment strategies behind complex industrial connectivity projects

SPEAKERS:

Martin Beltrop, Head of Portfolio Manager, Nokia, Enterprise Campus Edge

After holding various positions at Nokia for over 20 years, Martin took on the role of Senior Director, Portfolio Management, for Nokia Enterprise. In this role, he continues to leverage Nokia's end-to-end portfolio, addressing Industry 4.0 with networking solutions that encourage safe, autonomous and connected communities. Holding a M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität in Münster, Martin brings his passion for digitization, 4IR and the possibilities of 4G and 5G technologies into his

Tom White, Director of Innovation, Thames Freeport

Tom is Innovation and Skills Director at the Thames Freeport, the £4.5bn public-private economic development programme spanning three sites across East London and Thurrock. He leads the design and delivery of an innovation portfolio that includes 5G connectivity, AI in Healthcare, large-scale retrofit and infrastructure investment, skills and employment programmes and logistics innovation as work that sits at the intersection of place-based regeneration, applied AI, and public-private capital.

Mehdi Quraishi, Director of 5G & Edge AI Solutions, Verizon Business

Mehdi Quraishi is Director of 5G, Edge AI Solutions and Innovation at Verizon Business, where he leads a high-performing team driving the adoption of private 5G networks, Edge Computing, and AI. His work focuses on enabling organisations, particularly across ports, logistics, and industrial sectors, to unlock real business value from next-generation connectivity. With over 25 years of experience in digital technology, Mehdi brings deep expertise across industries including manufacturing, transport, energy, and logistics. He has a strong track record of designing and delivering large-scale, mission-critical solutions that enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and innovation. In his current role, Mehdi is responsible for shaping advanced 5G, edge, and AI architectures, developing use case-led strategies, and delivering measurable business outcomes through Verizon’s global technology portfolio. He has played a key role in some of the most advanced private network deployments across Europe, supporting the digital transformation of complex industrial environments. A recognised industry voice, Mehdi is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and real-world outcomes, helping organisations harness intelligent networks to power the next wave of industrial innovation.

Paul Augaitis, Service Provider Partner Sales Manager, Nokia, Enterprise Campus Edge

In 2022, drawing on over 20 years of experience across the IT and Telecommunications industry, Paul took on the role of Strategic Partnership Manager at Nokia Enterprise. In this role, he specializes in developing and executing strategic alliances with Enterprise Campus Edge Partners, driving joint business growth and delivering meaningful value to enterprise customers. Paul aligns closely with Nokia Enterprise's Go-To-Market strategy, building partnership plans, generating joint sales pipelines, and enabling partners to effectively position Nokia's enterprise solutions. With deep expertise spanning Business Development, Sales, and Marketing, Paul brings a passion for forging impactful partnerships, simplifying complex concepts, and fostering collaboration across virtual and global teams to achieve shared strategic objectives.