Following the success of our sold-out Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) 2025, we caught up with one of this year’s key sponsors, Avlino, to delve deeper into the role of AI in reshaping terminal operations. In this conversation, Avlino shares key insights on what’s next for automation, industry challenges, and the tangible impact of AI already being seen at ports.
What feedback did you receive from attendees about your AI-driven solutions during CTAC?
The feedback we received at CTAC was really positive. Attendees expressed strong interest in our solutions, particularly in how they challenge traditional operational models. Many were intrigued by our approach of shifting the paradigm—allowing business objectives to drive operational logic, rather than the other way around. This fresh perspective sparked a lot of engaging conversations, with several terminal operators and industry leaders expressing a keen desire to continue the dialogue and explore our solutions further through follow-up meetings.
How do you see AI accelerating automation in container terminals over the next 12 months?
It’s important to clarify that AI is not automation. While automation executes tasks, AI brings the intelligence needed to make appropriate decisions at the right time, based on both current conditions and predictions about what’s likely to happen next.
Over the next 12 months, we see AI playing a critical role in accelerating automation by making it smarter and more responsive. First, AI helps us better understand which processes are ripe for automation. But more importantly, it eliminates the “blind and static” nature of traditional automation. By enabling systems to manage exceptions and adapt to disruptions in real time, AI ensures that automation doesn’t stall or ignore critical changes in operations.
This ability to handle uncertainty is what will truly unlock the next level of performance in automated container terminals.
Were there any particular challenges or opportunities discussed at CTAC that stood out to you as especially relevant to Avlino’s roadmap?
One of the key challenges that stood out at CTAC was the prevalence of misconceptions and lingering skepticism around AI within the industry. Much of the conversation is still centered on what AI could be, rather than recognising what it already is and how it’s currently delivering value.
This highlights a significant opportunity—and responsibility—for companies like Avlino to lead the way in education and awareness. It’s not just about promoting technology, but about shaping a more accurate understanding of how AI works, the different approaches available, and the tangible impact it can have when applied strategically.
As a result, we see a growing need to reinforce our roadmap with an even greater emphasis on demonstrating real-world results, showcasing the value of AI not in theory, but in measurable operational outcomes.
How are Avlino’s AI-based optimisation tools currently being deployed to improve terminal performance, and what results have you seen so far?
At Avlino, we approach every deployment with a deep understanding that no two terminals are alike. Our solutions are never implemented as one-size-fits-all software. Instead, we work closely and transparently with operations teams to gain a detailed view of each terminal’s unique processes and business objectives. This partnership model is central to our work—we don’t see ourselves as just technology providers, but as long-term allies committed to driving sustainable operational achievements.
In terms of performance, the results have been very compelling. Our solutions have significantly reduced unproductive moves, contributed to a more balanced workload distribution among container handling equipment (CHEs), shortened turnaround times, and improved gate throughput. Across these key performance indicators, we’ve observed improvements ranging from 10 to 30 per cent, underscoring the measurable impact of our approach.
These outcomes are a direct result of embedding intelligence into the operational logic, aligning its execution with strategic goals.
Avlino is a US-based Artificial Intelligence company specialising in delivering solutions to enhance the efficiency of Container Terminal Operations. The company aims to transform the supply chain by providing terminal operators with solutions to overcome common pain points and challenges that undercut their business objectives.
