The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and its partners have successfully tested a fully autonomous terminal tractor at the Port of Tyne.
The project, known as P-CAL (Port-Connected and Automated Logistics), was delivered with support from the UK Government’s Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme.
Working alongside technology firm Oxa and a consortium including Nissan, Newcastle University, ANGOKA, LOGISTEED UK Limited and Womble Bond Dickinson, the NEAA helped design and deploy a system capable of safely transporting containers on a busy quayside.
The autonomous vehicle was supported by a secure communications network and integrated with port systems, allowing it to coordinate with crane operations in real time. The project also placed a strong emphasis on cybersecurity to ensure safe and reliable operation.
The system was tested in a complex, real-world setting, where factors such as heavy traffic, changing conditions and human interaction pose challenges for autonomous technology. Despite this, the project showed that autonomous movements can be carried out safely in controlled areas.
Cybersecurity specialist ANGOKA also played a key role, ensuring the system could operate securely within critical infrastructure, a factor seen as essential for the future of connected logistics.
The project’s success is expected to pave the way for larger-scale deployments, with future phases likely to explore multiple autonomous vehicles operating alongside human workers in live commercial environments.
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.”
