The transport and logistics industry plays a crucial role in supporting the economy, but it faces various challenges, including high costs and the need for operational efficiency. To address these challenges, the industry is embracing digital transformation, and 5G networks are expected to play a significant role in this process. This paper explores the benefits of 5G technologies in the transportation and logistics sector, focusing on device density, low latency, network slicing, supply chain visibility, port operations, and enhanced communication. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and sustainability considerations in the adoption of innovative technologies. The research methodology involves an online survey administered to stakeholders in the port logistics sector, aiming to assess their knowledge and implementation of innovative technologies. The paper also reviews the relevant literature and highlights the potential of digital technologies, such as IoT, blockchain, AI, and 5G, in optimizing supply chains and port operations. The findings provide insights into the current state of knowledge and implementation of innovative technologies in port operations and the potential for market adoption and contribute to understanding the benefits and challenges of 5G technology in the logistics industry.

Since the global request for freight transportation is continuously increasing to face the requirements of the modern economy, 5G infrastructures and companion technologies are becoming essential to support the digital transformation in logistics and transportation, in particular for their capability to allow data collection through a multitude of different sources across the supply chain, improving the connectivity and making more effective the secure and reliable data sharing. The objective of this work is to assess the penetration and implementation levels of innovative technologies to optimize port operations, by interviewing a set of actors and stakeholders directly involved in the logistics chain of ports.