Welcome to a new chapter in the world of ports and terminals! We are delighted to introduce this special edition of our journal dedicated to the dynamic global maritime industry.

This edition holds particular significance as it marks the final one for this year and commemorates our inaugural Smart Digital Ports of the Future (SDP) event in North America, hosted in Halifax, Canada. The conference finally makes its North American debut following a successful seven-year run in Europe.

In a time defined by rapid technological progress and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, the maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Ports and terminals are evolving into intelligent, digital hubs, harnessing the potential of data, automation, and connectivity to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our journey across the Atlantic serves as a meeting point for industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries worldwide to navigate the path forward.

As you delve into this journal, you’ll discover a wealth of knowledge and expertise from thought leaders, practitioners, and pioneers in the field. The papers and reports featured here offer a panoramic view of the latest developments in port operations, terminal management, digitalisation, sustainability, and much more.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to this journal, as well as to the sponsors and attendees of SDP North America. We hope you enjoy the journey, and we wish everyone a fantastic holiday season. See you in 2024!