The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), the Port of Tyne, Oxa, and a consortium of industry and academic partners have completed the P-CAL (Port-Connected and Automated Logistics) project, deploying a fully autonomous terminal tractor in a live UK port environment. Delivered through the UK Government’s CAM Pathfinder program, the project moved autonomous logistics from proof-of-concept testing into safety-critical operational use.
Highlights
- Fully autonomous terminal tractor operated on a live quayside, integrating with terminal operating systems and coordinating in real time with active crane movements
- Project defined a new Operational Design Domain (ODD) for working ports, addressing traffic density, variable conditions, and human interaction
- Consortium included Oxa, Nissan, Newcastle University, ANGOKA, LOGISTEED UK, and Womble Bond Dickinson, led by the NEAA
- Funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade through the CAM Pathfinder program, in partnership with Zenzic and Innovate UK
From Proof of Concept to Live Quayside
P-CAL builds on the region’s earlier 5G CAL and V-CAL trials, advancing the underlying technology into a complex commercial setting. The consortium designed, integrated, and validated an autonomous container transport solution capable of working alongside live port operations.
The technical scope covered the autonomous tractor itself, a secure mesh communications network, integration with terminal operating systems, real-time coordination with crane movements, and a cybersecurity framework supporting safe remote and automated control.
Crucially, the system operated within a newly defined ODD reflecting genuine port conditions. That includes traffic density, variable weather, and unpredictable human interaction — all factors that distinguish a working quayside from a controlled test site.
Industry Voices on the Milestone
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.”
“The learning gained here will shape future CAM deployment and reinforces the region’s position as a national leader in connected and automated mobility.”
Graeme Hardie, Operations Director at the Port of Tyne, said: “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 Port of Tyne is proud to have played a leading role in a project that will influence how ports across the UK and beyond approach automation.”
A Blueprint for Industrial Autonomy
Paul Newman, Founder and CEO at Oxa, framed the outcome as a model for industrial deployment: “The success of P-CAL proves how autonomy will enable the future of resilient logistics operations. 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 optimisation.”
“P-CAL provides a blueprint for how ports and industrial hubs worldwide can deploy autonomous technology to drive productivity, efficiency and safety.”
The approach — retrofitting existing terminal tractors rather than designing purpose-built autonomous hardware — mirrors a wider industry trend toward autonomous deployment in port and logistics environments, where confined operating areas and repetitive tasks suit current AV capabilities.
Cyber-Resilience as a Core Requirement
Cyber security sat at the center of the project rather than as an add-on. Shadi AR, CTO at ANGOKA, said: “Cyber‑resilience has been fundamental to the success of P‑CAL. 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.”
What Comes Next
P-CAL validated autonomous operation in a controlled portion of the port. The next phase will need to test performance at greater scale, with multiple autonomous vehicles operating alongside human workers, equipment, and live commercial traffic.
Mark Cracknell, Program Director at Zenzic, placed the project in a national policy context: “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.”
The technical, operational, and regulatory insights from the trial will feed into future CAM deployment across UK ports, logistics hubs, and industrial sites.
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