Lecture 12: Port Operations & Management Systems: Concept of a SMART Port

Question 1

What is meant by a SMART Port? Hint: can incorporate 8 emerging tech

Answer 1

1. Deploying automation and innovative technologies
2. SMART stands for Sustainable, Multimodal, Automated, Resilient and Transparent.
3. A technologically advanced and digitally connected port
4. Leverages innovative solutions to optimise port operations, enhance efficiency, improve safety and reduce environmental impacts.
5. Integrate new technologies like IoT, big data, AI, blockchain and renewable energy resources

E.g Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain etc ) to improve its performance.

Question 2

***5 Benefits Of SMART Ports
E C EI S SC

Answer 2

1. Increased efficiency
2. Reduction in costs
3. Minimise environmental impacts
4. Enhanced safety
5. Improved stakeholder communications ( to be collaborative and share data)

Question 3

5 Key Characteristics of a SMART PORT

Answer 3

1) Connectivity and Communication:
High speed communication networks and IoT devices enable real-time data sharing among various stakeholders.

2) Automation and Efficiency
Automation technologies streamline operations, reduce manual intervention
Enhance efficiency in cargo handling, vessel traffic management and logistics processes

3) Sustainability
Prioritises environmental sustainability
Implementing green practices
Renewable energy resources
Reducing carbon footprints

4) Data-Driven Decision Making
Use of data analytics and big data
To make informed decisions based on real-time information
Improving planning and resource allocation

5) Safety and Security
Enhanced security measures
Advanced surveillance, and monitoring systems
Cybersecurity initiatives to ensure port safety(Ops and Assets)

Question 4

4 Key Drivers for SMART port

Answer 4

1. Ships becoming bigger: more changes, timely arrival, timely departure, good port defined when a lot of ship is stuck at their anchorage
2. Goods are moving faster
3. Geopolitical conflicts are creating new challenges for ports all around the world.

4.Changing Demands for Global Trade
**As technology develops, and the global supply chain becomes increasingly digital,
there is a necessity for ports to become a “digital node” within that infrastructure

Question 5

Name 8 emerging port technologies

Answer 5

1. **Drones- Remotely Piloted Aircrafts
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
3. **SMART vessel traffic management
4. **Enhanced security system
5. **Electric & Hybrid Management
6. **Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
7. **Renewable Energy Siurces
8. Augmented Reality(AR)
9. **5G networks
10. Internet of Vehicles(IoV)
11. **Big Data Analytics
12. Digital Twin Technology

Question 6

What defines Port Operations?

Answer 6

1) Strategic aspect of a national transport infrastructure.

2) Main transport link with international trading partners - - focal point for infrastructures of transport

3) Gateway to International Trade

4) Stimulates maritime clusters ( banks, shipping agencies, freight forwarders, stevedores, etc.)

5) Convergence of global diversities

Question 7

What are some applications of drone technologies in maritime?

Answer 7

Examples of Drones Technology in Maritime ( IN PYP)
1. “Agency by Air” - supply ships with small spare parts, documents, supplies or even consumables for 3D printers.

2. Traffic control and monitoring in port
   Supervision operations and risk detention in terminal operations
3. Environmental control- routine flight surveillance with video recording/orthophotos

Question 8

Elaborate on any 8 emerging technologies

Answer 8

1, Drones
Inspections of physical structures and patrolling of security rounds;
Routine inspections for maintenance of buoys, pipes, docks, breakwater cranes, roof-ships and other structures that are conventionally difficult to access;
Stock measurement to calculate (bulk) volumetric mass inventory;
Detection of irregular situations, leaks or abnormalities through (thermal and gas) sensors, as supplemental emergency support without the need to expose people to the affected areas;
Measurement and control of environmental aspects, detection of contamination and tracking and monitoring those responsible for the environmental breaches;
Mapping and surveying;
Generating audio-visual records of inspection for the authorities or for historical archives;

Negative Repercussions of Drones
Need to control and protect airspace
Security violations, terrorist attacks etc

Examples of Drones Technology in Maritime ( IN PYP)
“Agency by Air” - supply ships with small spare parts, documents, supplies or even consumables for 3D printers.
Traffic control and monitoring in port
Supervision operations and risk detention in terminal operations
Environmental control- routine flight surveillance with video recording/orthophotos

2. 5G Networks
   designed to improve the flow of information and enable automation and artificial intelligence (AI)
   Flexible and Fast Network
   Seamless Wireless network efficiency
   ( In port, reliable wireless data transmission is essential, but achieving this onboard is challenging due to the ship’s steel structure, which interferes with network penetration. This makes in-port wireless communication crucial, as onboard wireless connectivity is typically poor.)

5G technology can enhance site monitoring and optimize construction planning for engineers. By late 2019, 5G was expected to be integrated into daily operations at major ports and terminals, establishing itself as a standard for smart port operations.

3. Internet Of Things (IoT)
   Connects the physical and digital worlds through IoT.
   Physical objects are embedded with computing power to:
   Collect, process, and transmit data.
   Sensor technology enables equipment to:
   Transfer data autonomously.
   Automate routine operations for efficiency.
   Regulatory compliance drives the need for Improved visibility of routine operations at sea.

**IoT has transformed ships into a network of many connected computers , specialising in safe and efficient cargo movement across the oceans.

Applications of IoT
Example 1: Container tracking management system
Optical sensors to detect changes in condition, and ensure no pilferage(stealing of cargo)
Unauthorised opening during transit

Example 2: Predictive Maintenance
Measures critical parameters in the vessel’s main engines, generators, and other onboard equipment.
Collects inputs from both the bridge and engine room (ER).
Processes thousands of parameters every second.
Enables real-time monitoring of route and engine performance.
4. Augmented Reality
Objects enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.
Display all kinds of operational and productivity data, such as the movement of cargo and vessels
Visual support provided to staff during their operation watch
Port day-to-day operations through real-time video imagery and related information.
Remote Support in maintenance
(person on site can send and receive visual images, listen to the specialist’s advice, and receive written instructions right in front of his eyes on see-through-displays)

5. Internet Of Vehicles (IoV)
   Powering the drive towards automation
   Effective management of port traffic
   Increasing safety / Reducing Accidents
   Still at an earlier stage of development.
6. Smart Traffic Management
   Minimise congestion and delays
7. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
   AGVs transport containers and cargo within the port
   Without human intervention, improving efficiency and safety in cargo handling
8. Renewable energy sources
   Use solar panels, and wind turbines, to power operations and reduce carbon emissions
9. Enhanced Security System
   Advanced surveillance cameras, biometric access controls
   Cybersecurity measures against security threats
10. Electric & Hybrid Management
    -Use electric/hybrid vehicles and equipment within the port
    -To reduce dependence on fossil fuels
11. Big Data Analytics
    Predictive analytics can enhance maintenance schedules for equipment and reduce downtime
12. Digital Twin Technology
    Virtual models of physical port operations that allow for simulation and analysis
    Port managers can use this technology to visualise operations, identify bottlenecks and test scenarios for improvement