As we enter the second half of 2020 the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are now being realised across the global economy and the port industry.

For many, cargo throughput has been significantly decreasing compared with the same period for 2019.

For example, the Port of Los Angeles handled 581,665 TEUs in May, a 29.8% decrease compared to 2019’s record-setting volume for the same period. According to the Port’s Executive director, Gene Seroka, it was “the slowest May since the great recession of 2009” for the US’ biggest port.

Meanwhile, in Spain cargo throughput fell by 10%, a total of 4.9 million tons, in April 2020 compared with 2019 and other European nations have been hit with similar downfalls.

However, despite these challenges the industry continues to evolve and innovate, not just to stay afloat but also to stay ahead of the competition.

In this edition of the e-Journal CSP Spain and Prodevelop explore how to successfully deploy a new TOS with the Cosco Shipping Ports Iberian Valencia Terminal currently in the process of migrating its existing TOS a new TOS.

The Algeciras Port Authority explores how container terminals can adapt to what many are calling the ‘New Normal’. During this time, the Port Authority is continuing to innovate and has been working in partnership with Prodevelop on the development of a Port Collaborative Decision-Making product (Posidonia PortCDM) that aims to optimize Port Calls.

This e-Journal also explores how best to automate the transportation of containers by rail and beyond the port. Now more than ever the entire supply chain has become key to keeping nations and economies running in the face of crisis.