Automation and Optimisation

In the rapidly-evolving ports industry, Hutchison Ports has emerged as a frontrunner in driving transformation through its relentless investment in research and development. The company’s commitment to automation and technological advancements is revolutionising container terminal operations, making it a preferred partner for technology and equipment suppliers worldwide.

As a terminal operator, whether that be in maritime or intermodal, when was the last time you stopped and asked yourself: “What empowers your operations?”. Many operators will likely answer this with ideas like good processes, teamwork, communication, coordination. All good answers, but these only scratch the surface.

It wasn’t long ago that a single shipping container required a new set of paper documents for every part of the supply chain it passed through. Perhaps every country, too. Put this into the context of a modern port terminal such as Antwerp Gateway in Belgium, which has an annual throughput of 2.8 million TEU, and you can start to picture the complexity and how time-consuming that would be on a global scale.

The maritime industry's operations and services depend on seamless connectivity. Vessels and offshore facilities require reliable means of communication to ensure smooth operations, crew welfare, and passenger services. However, traditional satellite connectivity can be costly, technology-dependent, and limited in terms of access and data usage.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) has developed a Digital Twin, which is essentially a digital replica of all operations occurring within the port's territory. This cutting-edge technology was implemented to create situational awareness for all employees of the PoAB, acting as the central component that combines all the port's initiatives within its digital nervous system.

On 7 February 2023, MSC Belgium introduced ID-based container pick-up, at MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET) in Antwerp. This is a critical step for the future of cargo shipping – not just because it makes the process more efficient. The technology protects not only the security of the overall container, but the cargo inside, as well as the security of all personnel interacting with the containers.

At a recent joint symposium organised with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and BIMCO, and hosted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) to mark one year until it is mandatory for ports in Member States to operate Maritime Single Windows (MSWs) for the electronic exchange of information, a senior development official commented: “Given the importance, one is a little surprised at the lack of progress”. Observers might suggest that, as with so much over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed work on reaching this goal but in many cases, in fact, rather than involuntarily applying the brakes, the urgent need to reduce human contact caused by the pandemic became an unexpected driver towards digitalisation.