Security and Cyber-Security

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are a proven automated transport system for container terminals. Since the introduction in 1993 at ECT in the Port of Rotterdam, AGVs have been used at more than 10 sites across the world. Currently, AGVs are there with the most successful automated transport system in container terminals. AGVs are reliable and can support high Quay Crane (QC) productivity In addition, battery AGVs have been available since 2012, supporting zero-emission terminals.

Container terminals are living ecosystems built over complex and large infrastructures with several parties interacting in a coordinated way to offer highly complex logistic services under strict operational planning and tight cost controls. Due to the port and shipping industry’s competitiveness, challenging requirements, and demanding needs, operations within a container terminal must be accurately carried out to achieve high operational efficiency, while also ensuring safety, sustainability, reliability, and profitability.

Industrial automation and control systems have a direct effect on the physical world, while cybersecurity incidents can lead to financial, health, safety, and environmental impacts. Potential threat scenarios range from data security breaches and ransomware attacks to the theft of goods and even shutting down the operations of the entire port.

Our net-zero targets have been established and are a crucial part of our overall manifesto. These targets encompass both net-zero goals and diversity and inclusion (DNI) targets. Implementing these targets presents certain challenges, particularly in the area of fleet and fleet management. Port operators, being large fleet operators themselves, are well aware of this challenge.

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.

Safety is a key concern for terminal operators, and one of the key areas to address is applications in which heavy container handling equipment must operate in areas with mixed traffic or people. Equipment or cargo damage can lead to costly delays and disrupt operations.

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 pressure on ports – and all links in the supply chain – is possibly higher than it’s ever been. As a mixed-use port handling a huge volume of commercial, industrial and passenger traffic, the UK’s Port of Southampton faced these challenges. Port operator Associated British Ports (ABP) knew its current ways of working and its use of public 4G connectivity wouldn’t help it overcome future challenges.

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.