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 Matthias Hinz, Smartport Coordinator at bremenports GmbH & Co. KG, as we get ready for the event!
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role within your company?
I am the Smartport Coordinator for the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven, and although the topic is digitalisation, my job is really about connecting the right people and developing our port community.
My employer is the port management company bremenports GmbH & Co. KG, and we look after the infrastructure of our ports. However, it is also our job to provide the overall framework for digital transformation, and that is where I come in, coordinating the digitalisation initiatives in our port community towards a common goal.
What are the benefits of digitalisation at ports and where is this heading?
In my experience, the world of ports is rather traditional and based on the many years of experience and expertise of specialised professionals who take great pride in their jobs. I would say that digitalisation in ports can and must not only benefit the people who do the actual work. It must also provide solutions to the shortage of skilled labour so that the productivity of supply chains can be maintained and increased through automation.
That is why we sat down with our port community and jointly developed our Smartport strategy and digitalisation roadmap in a bottom-up approach. But also we as the port management company are digitalising, connecting and bringing more and more assets online to make our ports smarter, safer and greener.
Why is attending SDP 2024 essential for you?
After attending the CTAC in Valencia earlier this year, I knew that events like this were ideal for me to network with industry experts and further develop my personal network. My background is in IT consulting and I have also worked in logistics, but I am relatively new to the world of ports.
In addition to networking, the SDP in Rotterdam will be ideal for me to learn more about digitalisation projects in other ports and to get inspiration for our Smartport initiative in the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven.
In his role as Smartport Coordinator, Matthias Hinz is managing the Digital Transformation Initiative of the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven. Matthias is employed at the port management company bremenports GmbH & Co. KG, working in close cooperation with the port authority, terminal operators, logistics service providers and all major stakeholders of the ports who form the Smartport Community.
