HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), Radix, the Supply Chain & Logistics Technology Program at the University of Houston, and UTC Overseas, Inc. (UTC), is developing a ‘Smart Port’ Digital Growth Masterplan for the Port of Açu (PdA).
The goal is to develop a 5 to 10-year vision for the technological platform of the port and its ecosystem, focused on the optimisation of operations, attraction of new businesses that are technologically aligned, and the establishment of a technological governance plan and systems architecture.
The masterplan development has started with a benchmark on key ports worldwide, such as Antwerp, a strategic partner of PdA, and one of the pioneers in the smart port concept with a strong focus on innovation and digitisation.
PdA expects to generate greater efficiency, reduction in the time of shipments/landing and connection of all clusters and production steps, such as movement statistics, availability, maritime safety data, customer specifics, and engagement with all stakeholders in the ecosystem.
The Digital Masterplan will include the proposal to digitise the different stages of the logistical process and attract new business to the productive port.
José Firmo, Chairman from the Port of Açu, commented, “Large ports in the world use different and excellent port and maritime traffic management tools, but few operate in the way that Port of Açu operates, integrating these tools in the same environment.
“There is a worldwide demand for greater integration of port and navigation systems. This plan places Port of Açu on the same level as the main ports in the world, such as Antwerp and Houston.”
Pablo Bowen, Associate Partner of HPC Hamburg Port Consulting, added, “HPC Hamburg Port Consulting has 45 years of experience in the logistic and ports industry, and this is an important project for Port of Açu, Brazil, where we are currently developing other projects.
“To be a World Class Port is a must to success in the future, where Digital Masterplans are a key component to achieve that.
“It is not a matter to implement all the different technologies available. It is a matter to select the correct ones that support and add real value to your business. End to end visibility of the extended supply chain, including the last mile, is one of the challenges.”
UTC is a global logistics solutions provider with 36 offices in 18 countries; and offers expertise in providing specialised, turnkey transportation services to a wide variety of cargoes in the energy sector worldwide.
Radix has conducted analysis of the current asset structure; a survey of essential technology for the future vision as a digital port; the establishment of a technological governance plan; the architecture design recommended for the business systems; as well as its role in developing and implementing the solutions.
PdA in Brazil is the largest private and deep water port in Latin America, and is the third-largest port in the country for cargo handled.
