Advances in technology have introduced new and improved ways of controlling ports and terminals. The gradual shift towards implementing automation in all process flows and operations carried out at ports has led to significant changes in the way maritime trade is conducted.
First, let's see the basics of port automation.
What is Port Automation?
The first automated container port was developed in Europe in the early 1990s. Since then, many ports - more than 20 over the past six years - have installed tools in their terminals to automate at least some of the processes (see sidebar, "What is port automation?").
About 40 partially or fully automated ports now do business in different parts of the world, and best estimates suggest that at least $10 billion has been invested in such projects. The pace will probably accelerate: an additional $10 billion to $15 billion is expected over the next five years.
On the face of it, container ports seem to be the ideal place to automate. The physical environment is structured and predictable. Many activities are repetitive and straightforward. They generate large amounts of easily collected and processed data. Better still, the value from automation includes not only cost savings, but also performance and security benefits for ports and the companies doing business there.
Port Automation - The Basics
Port automation can be defined as the use of integrated technology to develop intelligent solutions for efficient control of traffic and trade flows at the port, thereby increasing port capacity and port efficiency.
Smart ports (or automated ports) typically operate cloud-based software to help create an operational flow that helps the port function smoothly. Currently, technology is integrated to some degree in most ports around the world, if not for overall management. However, due to global government initiatives and the exponential growth of maritime trade, there has been a gradual increase in the number of smart ports.
Ports of Napa is one such smart port that uses cloud-based solutions to manage energy resources, traffic control, infrastructure facilities, and port assets for efficient port operation.
The degree of automation varies from port to port, depending on the port's capacity, its location, the amount of cargo it handles, and its economic value. With the development of mega-ports, the scope of port automation has increased to an unprecedented level.
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