What are the smart ports?

Smart ports utilize advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and automation, to enhance operations and reduce environmental impact.

• Automation: Smart ports use automation to operate around the clock without human intervention. This enhances efficiency, reduces labor costs, and minimizes human error.

• Internet of Things: IoT in smart ports enables data collection and exchange between devices, supporting timely decision-making and enhancing operational and managerial efficiency.

• 5G Technology: 5G provides higher data transfer, greater capacity, and improved reliability, facilitating real-time data acquisition and enhancing overall port operations.

• Sustainability: A good feature of smart ports is their environmental friendliness. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize emissions from ships within the port. This includes reducing ship waiting times and preserving marine environments through renewable energy.

• Connection: Smart ports have advanced connections with logistical and industrial environments, improving cargo flow and information between ships and cargo terminals.

• Continuous Improvement: Smart ports always improve their operations by adopting new technologies and innovative ideas.

• Efficiency: The technology used in smart ports helps streamline workflows, doubling capacity without additional space or investments and reducing operational costs.

• Competitive Advantage: Smart ports gain a competitive edge by enhancing efficiency, increasing operational flexibility, and maximizing the value derived from their assets.

• Cost saving: Reports suggest that utilizing real-time data provided by smart ports through IoT technology can lead to substantial savings, with a potential cost saving of up to $80,000 per vessel mooring (based on recent studies).

• Security: Artificial intelligence and other technologies in smart ports contribute to securing cargo and shipments, ensuring access when needed, and improving overall safety.

• Resource Management: Advanced technical capabilities provide comprehensive information about maintenance needs, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions that could impact operations.

• GPS: Monitoring systems offer detailed information about traffic movement within and around the port, making it easier to predict congestion and weather conditions and coordinate shipping movements to improve traffic flow between ports and shipping destinations.

• Handling Customs Documentation: Smart ports improve the management of cargo information and payments, including processing trade licenses, import and export permits, and customs clearance. Leading European ports are experimenting with blockchain technology to reduce costs associated with paper documents and customs payments.

• Lack of Unification: There is no universally accepted standard to define what constitutes a smart port. "Smart port" encompasses facilities at various levels of development and adoption of modern technologies.

• High Costs: Transforming a conventional port into a smart port necessitates substantial capital investment to achieve the desired outcomes and objectives.

• Data Standardization: Data exchanged between smart ports must be standardized to be effectively utilized by operators across different countries and locations.

• Need for Expertise: Smart ports require skilled professionals to manage them; without such expertise, there is a risk of wasting capital and failing to realize the full potential of the technology.

Smart ports contribute to the effective management of smart containers, enhancing their efficiency and increasing their usage. For instance, smart refrigerated containers send real-time data to smart port systems regarding the shipment's condition, such as temperature, humidity, and geographic location. This immediate communication improves port management by preparing the necessary processes for receiving or shipping goods, reducing the need for manual intervention, and boosting overall efficiency and speed in cargo handling.

Many smart ports around the world have achieved great success in the field of maritime shipping.

• Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)

• Port of Barcelona (Spain)

• Port of Busan (South Korea)

• Port of Singapore

• Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium)

The Egyptian government aims to transform traditional ports into smart ports to align with the country's digital transformation vision outlined in Egypt Vision 2030. This includes creating a logistics platform to track shipments and connect ports with industrial zones. These efforts are intended to improve Egypt's ranking on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

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