Global Smart Port Development through Digital Innovation and APIs
Smart port is a development model that uses the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and other technological means to improve port operation efficiency and service quality. With the growth of global trade and the development and application of advanced technologies, the construction of smart ports in some countries has entered a stage of rapid development. In recent years, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries have accelerated the automation and digital transformation of port facilities and equipment, strengthened the intelligent management of port operations, and continuously improved the competitiveness of port logistics systems.
Port of Rotterdam Introduces Drones for Daily Inspections
The port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is one of the largest ports in Europe. The total cargo throughput of the port of Rotterdam reached 438.8 million tons. The port of Rotterdam is also a pioneer in the development of terminal automation in Europe. At present, most of the container loading and stacking work here has been controlled by computers and completed by automatic cranes. In recent years, the Port of Rotterdam has continuously strengthened technological innovation and improved the level of intelligence.
Rotterdam Port has introduced several cutting-edge innovations to enhance its operations, many of which involve advanced crane systems. Drones are now used for regular port inspections, conducting weekly checks on areas such as ship fueling, water pollution, cargo handling, hazardous materials, air pollution, and vessel maintenance. These drones also assist in crane operations, ensuring that heavy-lifting equipment is well-maintained and functioning optimally. In case of emergencies, drones can quickly deliver medical supplies, ship parts, or cargo samples, significantly improving the port's emergency response capabilities.
Additionally, the digital platform "Next-Generation Logistics" has been implemented at Rotterdam Port. This platform collects real-time data on each vessel’s docking location, time, and cargo, helping optimize unloading and container loading operations. This includes crane scheduling, improving both efficiency and safety. The platform acts as the "central processor" of the port, reducing container transfer time by 20%. Currently, around 60% of the land-based logistics at the port are coordinated through this platform, including crane operations and container handling.
Moreover, the port has opened a 17-kilometer closed-loop container exchange route, connecting several terminals, warehouses, and customs inspection stations. This route includes multiple intersections, railway crossings, and various transportation modes such as multi-trailer systems and terminal tractors. The efficient movement of containers is further supported by state-of-the-art cranes, ensuring quick and safe transfers between vessels and storage areas. The route is often referred to as the "highway for containers" within the port area.
CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Bidwin Simons, emphasized that the container exchange route is a major innovation that greatly contributes to the port's smart development and efficient operations. The Port Authority continues to focus on building smarter, more efficient infrastructure, including the use of advanced cranes, reinforcing Rotterdam's position as a global container hub.
For more information about the logistics infrastructure, harbour portal cranes, and key players in the global crane industry, check out this comprehensive list of the "Top 10 Overhead Crane Manufacturers in the World: Market Leaders and Buying Guides".
Singapore Port Optimizes Operations and Improves Customs Efficiency
Singapore Port is one of the busiest container transshipment ports in the world, ranking second globally in container throughput. The port includes six major terminals, such as Jurong, Keppel, and Tanjong Pagar. In recent years, Singapore has been actively promoting the development of smart ports.
The Singapore Maritime Industry Transformation Blueprint emphasizes the need to enhance technological research and the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to optimize port operations. This vision was further strengthened with the updated blueprint, which focuses on advancing innovation and smart port development.
A key initiative is the launch of a one-stop digital port platform, allowing shipping companies to submit all port clearance documents to various government agencies in one go. This system saves around 100,000 man-hours annually for the maritime industry. The Maritime Data Hub enables the sharing of maritime data, including vessel information, location, and arrival/departure times, among shipping companies and government agencies. Additionally, Singapore is developing a new vessel traffic management system, which provides real-time maritime traffic conditions and predicts high-traffic areas in port waters.
Singapore has also introduced the first maritime drone testing zone, where companies are testing drone technologies for port operations, including delivering land packages to ships, inspecting harbors, and collecting ship and weather data. The drone traffic management system can handle up to 500 drones, ensuring efficient and safe execution of tasks such as delivery and harbor inspections. The government has also announced plans to build a drone port for delivering ship supplies.
To foster innovation, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, together with the National University of Singapore and other organizations, launched an industry acceleration program to promote collaboration between tech startups and the maritime sector. The government hosts an annual "Smart Port Challenge," inviting startups to propose innovative solutions for smart port development, with winners receiving grants of up to SGD 250,000.
The Minister for Transport of Singapore, S. Iswaran, highlighted that with technological advancements, maritime technology will increasingly impact the efficiency and sustainability of maritime transport and port operations, and Singapore continues to support the application of emerging technologies in its ports, actively seeking effective solutions.
This focus on innovation and digital platforms in port management also extends to the use of harbour portal cranes, ensuring seamless and efficient container handling at Singapore's state-of-the-art terminals.
Jebel Ali Port, UAE: Advancing Fully Automated Operations and Emphasizing Innovation
Jebel Ali Port is located in the southwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the largest port in the Middle East and one of the top ten busiest container ports in the world. The port has a total of 67 berths, a total length of 15 kilometers, and handles more than 14 million TEUs every year. In response to the demand for a significant increase in container traffic, the No. 3 container Terminal of Jebel Ali Port adopts a fully automated operation model. Through the integration of 18 sets of internal systems, it can track and manage shore bridge operations, berth planning, yard management, truck deployment, etc. In real time.
To solve the problem of traditional container stacking, which takes a lot of time and occupies a large area, the port has cooperated in the development of the world's first elevated container storage system, which stacks each container like a standard cargo into a different location of up to 11-story storage racks, which can be accessed and transported by automatic robots. After the system was put into use, the number of unproductive movements of containers in the port of Jebel Ali each year has been significantly reduced.
In May this year, Dubai Global Ports Group announced that it would strengthen cooperation with the freight company Ain Reid to deploy 100 electric trucks in the port of Jebel Ali. These electric trucks are connected and implement intelligent management. They can analyze and optimize the freight efficiency in the port through a central digital operating system. It is expected that they can support the transportation of about 1,600 containers per day. Starting next year, the port will also pilot autonomous driving of electric trucks. According to media reports, this will be the largest deployment of electrified freight in ports in the Middle East.
Ibrahim, the operator of Jebel Ali Port and the relevant head of the information technology department of Dubai Global Ports Group, said that more than 90% of the world's trade is carried out by sea. In the digital age, the digital infrastructure of ports is a key part of the stable and smooth supply chain. Dubai Global Ports Group attaches great importance to the application of innovative technologies to promote the intelligence of ports.
There is a Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone outside Jebel Ali Port, and more than 9,000 companies have settled there. China is one of the main trading partners of the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone. Sultan, chairman and CEO of Dubai Global Ports Group, said that the intelligent construction of the port will further promote the interconnection of global logistics networks and help Dubai become an important platform and hub for the docking of global commodity trade. The port of Jebel Ali is willing to further play the role of a bridge and link to promote the entry of Chinese commodities into the markets of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.