A new global survey by Tideworks Technology, conducted in partnership with Port Technology International (PTI), has identified a growing demand for practical, real-time data connectivity and improved system integration across marine terminal operations.
The findings, released on 18 June 2025, also show that process automation and digitalisation are top priorities for operators, with larger terminals increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI).
The survey collected responses from 121 professionals working in container, bulk, and RoRo terminal operations worldwide, with annual throughputs ranging from under 100,000 TEUs to over 5 million TEUs.
Despite the widespread adoption of digital tools, many terminals continue to face challenges with data connectivity, system integration, and real-time visibility, particularly those managing complex operations with limited resources.
READ: Tideworks adds new VPs to drive innovation and expansion
Thomas J. Rucker, President of Tideworks Technology, commented: “We see marine terminals making bold technology investments, but the next step is ensuring systems work together. What’s needed now is smarter connectivity that links data seamlessly across systems, both within the terminal and beyond the gate.
“Tideworks is committed to meeting terminals where they are, helping them unify their data and operations at their own pace, while giving them the flexibility to explore other emerging technologies on their own terms.”
Key findings from the survey include:
- Yard optimisation remains a priority: 74 per cent of terminals are focused on reducing unproductive moves and maximising equipment use, with 66 per cent citing yard space as their main constraint.
- Process automation leads technology initiatives: 58 per cent of respondents identified process automation as their top priority, while equipment automation ranked lower at 35 per cent.
- Connectivity issues limit real-time insight: While 86 per cent use terminal operating systems (TOS) and planning tools, only 30 per cent leverage real-time analytics. Internal integration challenges affect 53 per cent of respondents, and 46 per cent face external integration issues. Nearly half (45 per cent) lack real-time visibility.
- AI adoption is increasing among large terminals: 64 per cent of large terminals (handling more than 1 million TEUs) are prioritising AI, compared to 43 per cent overall. However, 58 per cent still rely on manual data practices, underlining the need for improved data quality and accessibility.
View full survey insights here: Maritime Terminal Leaders: Tech Innovation and Digitalisation.
Explore Tideworks’ latest technical paper: Rail Digitisation: The ROI of Optimising Your Terminal for Long-Term Success.
