As the need to increase cargo capacity in terminals and ports continues, so does investment in expansion, development and new technologies. Few, if any, projects have been halted directly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts continue at ports around the world to improve container capacity and operational efficiencies.
In this edition of the Journal our contributors highlight some of the projects currently underway from Italy to Los Angeles, India to Brazil.
In our ongoing series with the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) we hear from three of its members about the importance of Port Community Systems (PCS) and digitalisation as ports across the world look for the best places to invest.
The Association highlights how the Port of Los Angeles is rolling out various programmes in order to deal with the ever-increasing cargo throughput. As the Port looks to further develop its Port Optimizer solution it is taking a broad outlook in terms of connectivity.
Meanwhile, the Port of Trieste, Italy, is using its PCS to build connections with railway operators and terminals beyond its own location.
Poland is also continuing to develop its national PCS and the national approach for the ports of Gdansk, Gdynia and Szczecin and Świnoujście was a crucial element of the Government’s plans for port development to 2030.
Building Blocks
The Port of Rotterdam prides itself as being one of the leading smart ports in Europe and the world. According to the Port, there are seven distinct building blocks ports will need to consider in order to prepare for the future.
It notes that ports of the future will be ‘smart’ and will be able to effectively respond to demands of all types. If the past 18 months has told us anything it is that adaptability is key, as is having the flexibility to respond to an uncertain market.
The goals of a nation
India, one of the world’s most populous nations, is investing heavily in its supply chain infrastructure and is building a new mega-port to keep up with demand.
The new Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra would represent the nation’s 13th largest port complex and could handle up to three million TEU per year by 2030.
However, as with any grand investment plan, things will not necessarily be plain sailing and the authors point out that the nation could be left in a Catch-22 situation with the greenfield and brownfield sites if it is not careful and considered.
Finally, in Brazil, the Port of Santos is seeing its container volume grow year-on-year and multiple stakeholders, including the port authority, state and national governments are keen to build on the port’s container portfolio.
Santos Port, along with many other Brazilian ports, is undergoing a large amount of privatisation as part of a new commercial approach by the federal government. A new container terminal is also being planned in the Saboó region.
