As we prepare for the eighth edition of Smart Digital Ports of the Future (SDP 2024) in Rotterdam, we’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with some of our speakers. These conversations give us a closer look at their roles in the maritime industry and how they’re helping to drive its digital transformation.
We’re excited to share insights from Dr Jérôme Besancenot, Managing Director at easyport as we get ready for the event!
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role within your company?
I am the Project Director for Digital Transition at HAROPA PORT and also the Managing Director of easyport, a digital startup jointly created by HAROPA PORT and SOGET.
What are the benefits of digitalisation at ports and where is this heading?
Ports are facing major challenges, such as the decarbonisation of their activities, the reduction of their environmental footprint, the energy transition, and the strengthening of global supply chain resilience. New technologies and digital tools are essential assets for accelerating the consideration of these issues and facilitating the transformation of ports in an uncertain international trade context.
It is crucial to innovate to meet customer needs and anticipate future practices by adopting a methodological approach and a mindset suitable to enhance the agility of the port sector. This will contribute to making the transportation of goods and passengers more efficient and safer Artificial Intelligence and Data, in particular, will play a key role in reshaping port digital processes by integrating predictive capabilities to better manage logistical uncertainties. Additionally, generative AI will enable the development of increasingly advanced digital twins of ports, capable of providing prescriptive functions to support ports in their future strategic decisions
Why is attending SDP 2024 essential for you?
I have had the opportunity to participate in SDP since its inception in 2019, and each year, this conference proves to be a truly inspiring event. It is a unique chance to meet a wide range of institutional players, researchers, and industry professionals involved in the port and digital sectors. It allows for reflection, the acquisition of extensive knowledge, and the generation of new ideas.
I would also say that it is an opportunity to gain insights into innovative and digital initiatives within the port sector, through presentations of concrete solutions that can help ports develop their innovation strategies more effectively and relevantly.
Dr Jérôme Besancenot, PhD in Computer Science graduate from Paris University, is Digital Transition Project Director for HAROPA PORT (Le Havre, Rouen and Paris Ports) as well as Managing Director for easyport which is a digital startup between HAROPA PORT and SOGET.
