Following the implementation of numerous innovative pilot projects as part of the SmartPORT concept, the thought of the future-oriented, intelligent port is further developed and an international network between ports called “ChainPORT” has now been initiated.
The global platform shall connect important information of the respective partner ports on the one hand and create a basis that allows the joined development of new, future-oriented solutions on the other.
In addition to the Port of Hamburg, the Ports of Busan, Singapore, Shenzhen, Los Angeles, Felixstowe and Antwerpen are the partners in the future-oriented network.
Senator Frank Horch said: “The enormous increase of the international division of labour, as well as the rapid growth of the global economy heavily depend on the international maritime transport. The world is getting smaller and it shows in world trade.
“It has never been more important to learn from one another. Even if we are competitors and rivals, we are dependent on exchanging information.”
Jens Meier, Chairman of the Management Board of the HPA, said: “This is a great day. With today’s event we are able to lay the foundation to further improve our network and to learn from each other so that we can create innovative ideas and solutions that provide added value to the global flow of goods and the ports.”
Technical Paper: The smart Port of Hamburg
With ChainPORT, the HPA wants to go beyond the traditional bilateral port partnerships.
In order to face the changing competitive challenges, a small group of selected, leading ports is supposed to take on subject areas and develop innovations together.
The idea is to establish a global chain of smartPORTS, the so-called ChainPORTS. The objective is to bring together port management and their stakeholders to share benchmarks and develop strategies together on how ports can and must work together in the future to reach common goals such as the globally necessary efficiency.
The shared use of intelligent systems and data with other ports ensures sustainable growth. In addition to digitalisation and networking, the handling of the increasing container ship growth will be another important topic that presents a challenge to all ports.
A joined discussion and positioning in terms of advantages and disadvantages of the increasing vessel sizes is necessary. In the future, networking and data exchange should and must enable an even better planning of port calls.
Data exchange could take place via the use of Big Data practices, which is believed to have the capabilities to enhance equipment maintenance and boost overall operations via the use of sensors, which would, in practice, be placed on equipment to collect the data.
A key part of the chainPORT concept would also be in how to effectively handle mega-ships.
Watch our mega-ship insight, featuring Stephen Abraham of the Port of the Port of Felixstowe below:
