Traditionally, ports have been crucial nodes in the world’s international supply chains. As those supply chains have become increasingly fast, flexible and responsive, the role of ports has been transformed. Geographical location is no longer the only factor that counts. The speed, efficiency and reliability of transport flows, as well as the ease with which they are handled, are just as important.

The ports of the future will be smart ports. They will be able to respond effectively to the demands of a changing world. They will be entirely digital and climate-neutral. For example, they will be powered by offshore wind, and work with carbon-neutral vessels, sustainable industry and a circular economy. They will be digital ports where realtime data makes operations predictable and safe. There will be no waiting times for ships. Ship visits will be as fast and efficient as pit stops. There will be greater transparency, predictability, efficient operations and logistical chains.

By making the most of artificial intelligence, blockchain and the Internet of Things, these ports will cut emissions, and save time and money.

“So there is no standard approach for every port of the future. Start with small steps. Followed by an assessment of the results and then a decision about where to go next.”

The port of the future will need seven distinct building blocks:

• Organisation & Clients. Ports will have to redefine their relationships with stakeholders. New partner-ships will have to be forged.
• Asset Management. The port of the future will use the data to build a digital twin that can be used to model port response to changing conditions.
• Infrastructure. The port of the future needs swift, efficient, robust and sustainable connections with the hinterland and other ports. Also needs smart systems to predict, plan and coordinate the movements.
• Environment & Stakeholder engagement. A healthy port depends on a healthy environment and the public wellbeing and on the engagement with its stakeholders.
• Energy. Ports of the future will switch to clean sources of energy like wind or solar, and also make the transition to bio-based raw materials.
• The Digital Transition. The port of the future will be a digital port where cargoes are no longer delayed by inefficient exchanges of important data.
• Innovation. Ports need social innovation to transform the entire port area, including the surrounding industrial cluster, into an open ecosystem that has the capability to embrace change and capitalise on new opportunities.

“Whatever you do, you should start as soon as possible – preferably today – because the future is already in the making ”

In case of implementing this kind of solutions the expected benefits will be:

• Information comes in from a range of sources (shippers, shipping companies, port authorities, terminals, etc.). A port’s appeal as a hub depends on how good we are at linking these different sources. The effective coordination of data flows improves efficiency, transparency, predictability and lead times.
• The resulting improvements in port facilities and the cost savings release funds for investment in new developments.
• Real-time communication between agents will lead to an exponential increase in the number of decisions required. Artificial intelligence will be indispensable in terms of underpinning, and possibly automating, these decisions.
• A healthy and attractive environment is important for everyone in and around the port. It makes it possible to generate economic and social value, and to safeguard sustainable port growth in the long term.
• Digital technologies allow users to share relevant data in real time with everyone involved – in a process that is as safe as it is reliable – including partners further along the chain with whom we have almost no contact at present.
• All the ports of the future will be hubs in a new, circular economy that will not waste any residual waste flows.

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