To improve the economic conditions of a country, the development of ports is important. It could be brought about by rebuilding ports, enhancing infrastructure, hiring efficient staff, or incorporating technology in various services and functions of a port.
The latter is currently a popular way of upgrading ports. With minimal input, it's bringing next level transformations to traditional ports. It is turning them into complete new entities, i.e., smart ports. Let’s take a look at what exactly is a smart port and how different is it from a traditional one.
What is Smart Port?
The term Smart Port refers to an automated port that utilizes advanced technologies. It does not depend much on the human workforce and resources for functionality. The port will require a workforce for monitoring, directing, and programming reasons. However, the majority of port-related tasks will be executed by the assistance of technology.
The fundamental purpose of this modification is to improve port performance and competitiveness. It enables the port to do more while consuming lesser resources.
Usage of technologies, such as big analytic data, digitalization, blockchain, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), makes the Smart Port capable of exceptional performance. An elevation in time-efficiency, accuracy, and management are prominent features of a Smart Port.
Although the above-mentioned technologies are some of the major ones, a Smart Port involves several other integrated gadgets too. For example, high-tech drones get used for surveying and monitoring. Continue reading to unravel more about Smart Port miracles!
Why Do We Need One?
Well, what's the purpose of ports? It's to enable trade. Right? We need smart ports for the very same reason. The only difference is that smart ports make the work easier.
However, its importance is growing by the day as the volumes of cargo goods are rising with every passing year. The increasing population is not only speeding up trade but is also leading to increased traffic at port areas. Thus, making it too crowded and making operations even more difficult. In such a scenario, smart ports ease the situation. The sensors and cameras help with monitoring, while AI enhances security. Machine-based movement reduces unnecessary crowd and ensures safe handling, while advanced devices record data flawlessly.
Recent Developments
Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the ports have played an integral role in trade and economic growth. Due to its significant position, the infrastructure and system of ports continued to evolve. And, today, the concept of the Smart Ports has turned into reality.
For further development, the port authorities have started projects to multiply the benefits of Smart Ports and stretch it out to ports around the world. The Hamburg Port Authority has initiated the chain PORT project to spread awareness about Smart Ports. Different ports are contributing to the project, such as the ones in Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Singapore, etc.
Moreover, the maritime industry has partnered with various tech companies to establish blockchain technology for improvement in logistics. Consequently, the ports will benefit from blockchain technology too. On the whole, the different entities in the port industry are striving towards Smart Port Automation on a global level, which will boost trade drastically.
Encouraging Conferences
Currently, there are only a few conferences and bodies that emphasize converting all traditional ports into smart ports. The SDP conference is one of the most prominent ones. SDP is actually short for Smart Digital Ports of the Future, and it is currently the biggest international event in the shipping industry that unites several ports and terminals to strive for a better future. It brings them all together to discuss strategies, and ways of reducing cost to get greater returns. Such conferences aim to normalize smart ports because having it in just one country will not only benefit the nation, it will also help other nations that will be interacting with them for trade purposes.
In conclusion, the implementation of Smart Ports on a massive scale can bring a drastic yet positive change in both the trade industry and the economy.
