Emerging technology in detail: smart ports

Smart ports: scientific publications

The scientific community's engagement with smart ports has also seen a noticeable uptick in research activity. Since 2016, there has been a marked increase in peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on various facets of smart port technologies (Figure B58). This growing academic interest highlights a shift toward exploring and addressing the complex challenges and opportunities that smart ports present. Such research endeavors are often foundational, paving the way for practical applications and technological breakthroughs.

Studies such as those by Notteboom and Haralambides reflect this trend, indicating a surge in academic publications related to smart ports. ⁽¹⁾Notteboom, T. E. and H. E. Haralambides (2020). Port management and governance in a post-COVID-19 era: Quo vadis? Maritime Economics & Logistics, 22, 329–352. Such articles often explore innovative topics like automation, data analytics and sustainability measures within port operations, underscoring a rich field of exploration. This academic focus is crucial as it signals the potential directions in which port technologies could evolve and provides a valuable indicator as to those areas where future patents may emerge as the technologies mature and find practical application.

Analysis of regions and countries reveals that China, Italy and Spain are leading in the scientific sphere (Figure B59).

A McKinsey analysis from 2018 reveals that ports have been slower to adopt automation compared to sectors like mining and warehousing, though the trend is now gaining momentum. Automated ports offer significant advantages, including improved safety, reduced human-related disruption and a more predictable performance. However, the transition faces substantial barriers, including high initial capital costs and operational challenges like skill shortages, poor data quality, isolated operations and difficulties in handling exceptions. ⁽²⁾McKinsey (2018). The future of automated ports. McKinsey & Company. Available at: www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-future-of-automated-ports.

Despite these obstacles, automation has the potential to substantially reduce operating expenses and increase productivity, although current returns on invested capital fall below industry averages. ⁽³⁾Othman, A., S. El-gazzar and M. Knez (2022). A framework for adopting a sustainable smart sea port index. Sustainability, 14(8), 4551.

The long-term vision for ports is a transition toward "Port 4.0," which represents a shift from being primarily asset operators to becoming service orchestrators, aligning with a broader move toward Industry 4.0. This evolution promises increased value for port operators, suppliers and customers, though it requires innovative business models and collaboration in order to be fully realized. The history of port automation dates back to the first automated container port established in Europe in the early 1990s. ⁽⁴⁾Konecranes (2021). The case for automated RTG container handling. Available at: www.konecranes.com/sites/default/files/download/case_for_automated_rtg_container_handling.pdf. Since then, over 20 ports have adopted automation within the last several years, with almost 53 container terminals now partially or fully automated worldwide. ⁽⁵⁾ITF (2021). Container Port Automation: Impacts and Implications. International Transport Forum Policy Papers, No. 96. Paris: OECD Publishing.

Smart ports: patent data

Examination of the patent landscape reveals that patenting activity in the field of smart ports has picked up speed over the last few years. The number of published patent families has increased from only 20 in 2016 to 102 in 2023 (Figure B60).

At a country level, almost all smart port patent families published were from inventors in China (556 patent families between 2000 and 2023) (Figure B61).

Smart ports: patent examples

The invention detailed in the patent application US20200140242A1 filed by Shanghai Tusen Weilai Artificial Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. is a system designed to control the unloading and loading of ships using advanced technology. It includes a ship unloading control system, ship loading control system and related apparatuses, which work together to optimize the entire process. This system is aimed at improving the efficiency and coordination of maritime cargo handling, by utilizing scheduling systems, shore crane control systems and vehicle control systems. It relies on technologies such as AI, big data and automated scheduling and task management, integrating with warehouse management systems to streamline operations.

Source: US20200140242A1.

This invention highlights technological components of a smart port, because it aligns with the concept of port automation and efficiency, central to the idea of a smart port. By integrating various technological components like scheduling systems and crane control systems, it enables ports to manage loading and unloading processes more autonomously and efficiently. Such integration facilitates real-time data sharing and decision-making, which are key elements of a smart port's operations, leading to increased productivity, reduced operational costs and enhanced safety – characteristics that define smart port capabilities.

Another invention example focuses on the automation of container terminal operations. The invention presented in the patent application US10833515B2 filed by Shanghai Maritime University is an automatic charging device for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) on a container terminal. The system involves a vehicle-mounted device and a ground device working together to charge the AGV efficiently and reliably. The setup utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for precise positioning and safety within the charging region. The design aims to enhance the connection rate between the power supply and the AGV, improving the operational efficiency of the AGV and ensuring the safety of the charging process.

Source: US10833515B2.

The highlighted technologies in this patent application are central to the development of a smart port, because they enable automation and efficiency in container terminal operations. RFID technology for precise positioning and safety, along with an automated charging system for AGVs, facilitate uninterrupted and efficient container handling. These technologies contribute to creating an integrated, automated and intelligent port environment, improving operational efficiency and safety – key attributes of a smart port.

The smart port projects in Shanghai, Busan, Rotterdam and Hamburg exemplify the cutting-edge integration of technology in maritime logistics. These projects serve as lighthouse projects, illuminating the path for the future of port operations. They leverage innovations from recent patents, including advanced automation, data analytics and IoT, to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability, signaling a transformative leap toward the digitalization and intelligent management of maritime trade hubs.

Smart port projects that incorporate advanced technologies are being initiated worldwide. In China, the port of Shanghai has been involved in smart port initiatives, particularly with its Yangshan Deep Water Port's automated terminals. ⁽⁶⁾South China Morning Post (2023). Shanghai port operator aims to expand capacity of its automated terminal at Yangshan and help shippers reduce waiting time and costs. Available at: www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3234313/shanghai-port-operator-aims-expand-capacity-its-automated-terminal-yangshan-and-help-shippers-reduce. The Republic of Korea's port of Busan has also been investing in smart technologies, becoming one of the most technologically advanced ports with its Busan New Port. ⁽⁷⁾American Journal of Transportation (2023). Port of Busan will open its first automated terminal in 2023 using Korean cranes. Available at: www.ajot.com/insights/full/ai-port-of-busan-will-open-its-first-automated-terminal-in-2023-using-korean-cranes. In the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam's SmartPort initiative collaborates with universities and industry partners to develop innovative projects. ⁽⁸⁾Port of Rotterdam (2024). Port of Rotterdam developing into major digital platform. Available at: www.portofrotterdam.com/en/to-do-port/futureland/the-digital-port. Germany's Hamburg Port Authority runs the smartPORT initiative, which includes various projects aimed at enhancing port efficiency through digitalization.Hamburg ⁽⁹⁾Port Authority (2024). HPA goes smartPORT. Available at: www.hamburg-port-authority.de/fileadmin/user_upload/150422_tl_messe_lowres.pdf.

The convergence of advanced technologies evidenced by the example inventions, along with the pioneering smart port projects in leading maritime nations, underscores the critical role of smart ports in the future of sea transportation. These initiatives serve as beacons, showcasing the potential of digitalization, automation and efficient energy use, setting a standard for ports globally.

As the demand for more efficient, sustainable and safer sea transport grows, the move toward smart ports is not just a trend–it is an imperative. The industry is witnessing a shift from traditional port operations toward a future where ports are not just transit points, but intelligent systems that can think, decide and act autonomously, marking a new era in maritime technology and logistics.