Smart Technologies and Digitalization

In 2024, Awake.AI won the 2024 Moroccan Smart Port Challenge to develop digital solutions for port performance improvement in collaboration with the Moroccan National Ports Agency ANP. The focus of this proof of concept development project was to enable the adoption of just-in-time (JIT) scheduling and related performance optimisations in Moroccan ports.

In the evolution towards Port 4.0, private 5G networks emerge as a cornerstone of modern industrial connectivity solutions. Tailored specifically for industrial environments, these networks offer unparalleled advantages over traditional wired or Wi-Fi setups. They are meticulously optimised for IoT applications, boasting low energy consumption, fortified data security, and robust support for high connection densities.

One of the great challenges of maritime transport is to guarantee safety both during crossings and inside the port facilities. As a nexus between the maritime and terrestrial worlds, ports and terminal operators face a complex challenge: ensuring that the entry and exit of people, vehicles, and goods are organised, efficient, and free of threats.

In the vast expanse of maritime operations, where efficiency is king and sustainability reigns supreme, the convergence of cutting-edge technology and industry expertise is reshaping the seascape. Amidst the tumultuous tides of climate change, the maritime sector faces an urgent call to chart a course towards greener, more efficient practices.

Digital twins are one the fastest growing concepts in the container handling industry, especially with the growth of complementary technologies such as IoT and cloud. The virtual 3D replica of a terminal gives you complete visibility of the terminal environment, its equipment, container inventory and much more.

The latest research progress in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps autonomous driving technology become more and more applicable in daily life and industry scenarios. The robotaxi and the autonomous trucking systems are built mainly based on vehicle onboard sensors and computing units. As the operation domain on public roads involves large-scale scenarios regarding locations and objects, an intelligent vehicle must be able to make its decision with its own perception and localisation inputs.

The global supply chain, a dynamic web connecting the farthest reaches of the world, orchestrates the movement of goods with precision and efficiency. Within this complex environment, international ports serve as gateways and nerve centres through which the ecosystem is orchestrated, thereby ensuring the seamless flow of commerce across borders.

The world is in the middle of the electric revolution. The change from fossil fuel-driven machines to electric-driven has affected almost all industries in one way or another. As always with new technology, it brings new and exciting possibilities, but it also comes with the risk of misunderstandings, insecurity, and even fear, as new technology like electrified vehicles and machines replace old well-known diesel-driven alternatives.

In the intricate tapestry of global commerce, where the seamless transit of goods in containers forms the new standard, the role of container breach detection devices emerges as both pivotal and prescient. These devices, far from being mere technical fixtures, serve as a crucial line of defense against illicit activities such as the theft of goods, the smuggling of contraband and the infestation of narcotics.

In the wake of Port Technology International's Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) North America 2023, this Q&A delves into the forefront of port development, specifically focusing on connectivity. Here, we illuminate the seamless integration of Nokia's digitalisation solutions into the evolution of conventional port operations.

In this interview, we explore how the Port of Virginia is actively adopting technology to elevate efficiency, sustainability, and safety.