Connectivity at the Core: Key Takeaways from SDP 2024

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PTI at SDP 24

After two inspiring days in Rotterdam, PTI has finally returned to London, energised by fresh ideas and new connections made at the Smart Digital Ports of the Future (SDP) conference held on 24-25 September.

This year’s event once again offered a unique platform for industry leaders, innovators, and experts to come together, exchange ideas, and showcase the latest advancements shaping the future of smart ports.

Special thanks go to Hans Rook from IPCSA and Kevin Martin, CEO of One Digital Nation, who helped chair the event and set an encouraging tone for the conference by highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaboration.

A key topic of discussion during the conference was the transformative potential of 5G technology in ports. In the very first panel with Verizon, it was noted that many companies collect vast amounts of data but often struggle to use it effectively. Tom Amershek, Associate Director, International 5G Solutions Architecture at Verizon, stressed how important it is to unlock this data’s potential to improve decision-making and streamline operations. The discussion also highlighted the increasing role of private networks, which enhance processes and boost operational efficiency—essential elements for building interconnected, data-driven ports.

The conference featured in-depth discussions on the convergence of digitalisation and decarbonisation—two crucial factors in achieving greener, more efficient port operations. Sustainability initiatives were prominent, covering everything from green vessels to electric equipment. Professor Afshin Mansouri from Brunel University presented the Green Yard Scheduler, an innovative tool in use at the Port of Vigo that assists small and medium-sized ports in balancing productivity with energy consumption, enabling them to enhance efficiency while minimising their environmental impact.

Insights from the Port of Rotterdam were equally enlightening. Wouter Buck, Head of Port Call and Supply Chain Performance, shared his perspective on how ports can navigate the dual challenges of sustainability—especially with the shift to alternative fuels—and the need for digital integration. He discussed the growing significance of predictive systems that anticipate renewable energy needs, aiding ports in making timely purchasing decisions. Wouter also emphasised understanding how digital solutions can lead to reduced emissions and improved operational performance, providing a roadmap for ports aiming to align their digital strategies with sustainability objectives.

A highlight of the conference was the panel led by TIC4.0 members and industry leaders, who introduced the ‘Digital Ports Benchmarking Initiative’, aimed at assessing the digital maturity of container terminals worldwide. Early findings indicated that digitisation in the ports sector often remains limited to isolated solutions, lacking the integration necessary for optimising operations. The panel recognised the vast potential of machine automation and data-driven intelligence while noting a key challenge: integrating diverse systems. Larger terminals are facing significant obstacles in digitising their operations, with data collection frequently underutilised. The benchmarking results revealed considerable scope for enhancing automation across the supply chain, emphasising the need to overcome barriers to meaningful progress.

Starr Long from the Acceleration Agency offered an intriguing perspective by discussing how video games have influenced user interface design, resulting in more intuitive and user-friendly systems. He explored how insights from the gaming industry, especially regarding efficient information presentation, are being applied in the maritime and logistics sectors. A captivating concept introduced was the use of Digital Twins to enhance decision-making in port operations. Starr illustrated how game engines, typically employed in fields like aerospace and military training, could revolutionise maritime operations, leading to improved coordination in security and cargo management.

The second day opened with a session led by Martin Benderson from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), an association dedicated to combating corruption in maritime trade. Over the past decade, MACN has represented over 50 per cent of global tonnage through its members and made significant strides worldwide. Martin’s presentation highlighted how corruption at ports can inflate logistics costs by as much as 15 per cent, primarily due to bureaucratic hurdles. Through teamwork and frontline data collection, MACN has successfully reduced corruption reports in Nigeria by 70 per cent over five years, showcasing the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change when stakeholders unite.

Another prominent theme was the integration of drones into port operations, during a panel led by Airwayz. Eyal Zor, Co-Founder and CEO, stressed the importance of ensuring the safe coexistence of air and maritime traffic and shared their vision for a comprehensive drone programme prioritising collaboration and R&D to improve operational efficiency while adhering to safety standards.

As the conference concluded, discussions turned to the pressing challenge of efficiently moving cargo from vessels to various transport modes, such as trucks, trains, and barges. Despite technological advancements, managing operations amid unpredictable schedules remains a complex issue. Kevin Kruijthoff, Managing Director of Routescanner, provided valuable insights into enhancing cargo visibility and efficiency through improved data integration. He emphasised the necessity for collaboration between ports, terminals, and logistics providers to address these challenges and promote sustainability across the industry.

Over the two days, one word really stood out: connectivity.

We explored how connectivity with 5G and private networks can enhance security and efficiency in ports. The discussions highlighted the vital link between digitalisation and decarbonisation, showcasing how they can work together for innovative environmental solutions. Data sharing and management also emerged as key to connecting everything within the port, while we also touched on how tools like IoT and Digital Twins can help coordinate security and cargo management.

Yet, connectivity extends far beyond technology; it’s about establishing a community committed to knowledge sharing, and PTI takes great pride in what we have built. As we celebrate the end of the eighth edition of SDP 2024, we look forward to welcoming even more participants next year.

Together, we’ll continue our journey that leads to safer, more efficient, and connected ports.

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