Digital and collaborative technologies for a carbon-free future in ports and marine terminals

Introduction

In the current global context, decarbonization of ports and marine terminals has become a priority to align port operations with environmental sustainability goals. This global effort requires accelerating the reduction of carbon emissions to mitigate climate risks generated by the most influential industry for international trade.

Strategically, digital and collaborative technologies are key to advancing this process, streamlining the transition to more environmentally friendly port operations. These technologies optimize various operations, reduce resource consumption, and improve communication and cooperation between stakeholders, from port managers to logistics and service providers. 

By having effective, real-time collaboration, collaborative and digital technologies promote greener practices throughout the supply chain, thus laying the foundation for proactive port management in the fight against climate change.

What do we mean by digital and collaborative technologies?

These technologies comprise systems, tools, and devices that process, store, and transmit data in electronic format. They range from software applications to innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. These tools transform processes and optimize operations, through real-time decision-making. By integrating these technologies, higher levels of automation, advanced data analytics, and security are achieved¹. 

Collaborative technologies are designed to facilitate cooperation between teams, both in offices and remotely, eliminating geographical barriers, improving productivity, and enabling more efficient problem-solving between virtual teams. In the context of the decarbonization of ports and marine terminals, the integration of digital and collaborative technologies is essential to optimize operations, reduce emissions, manage resources, and move towards a more sustainable future².

Seaports’ Commitment to Decarbonization

Seaports and marine terminals, as important points in the supply chain, influence Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions through their diverse and wide-ranging operations. To move towards carbon-free operations, a number of strategies need to be implemented including the use of alternative fuels in the maritime fleet, carbon-neutral energy production, equipment electrification, infrastructure modernization, and the adoption of digital technologies.

These strategies optimize resource management and improve the coordination of organizational and operational processes. Effective implementation requires cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and political support to overcome the associated technical and financial barriers. These measures will transform ports into leaders in energy efficiency and sustainable practices, aligning their operations with environmental objectives, and making supply chains and maritime processes safer, more efficient, and sustainable.

The following video provides information on this topic focusing on opportunities to expand renewable energy production in developing countries. Source: IMO (International Maritime Organization).

Digital and collaborative technologies for maritime sustainability 

The complexity of today’s maritime ecosystem is in search of green and sustainable ports, the integration of digital and collaborative innovations is necessary to transform port operations.

Digital technologies

Internet of Things (IoT): Digital technology is fundamental in ports, connecting devices, and sensors that collect real-time data on energy consumption, emissions, and equipment status. In the context of decarbonization, IoT makes it possible to monitor and optimize the energy efficiency of port operations, detect problems before they become critical failures, and dynamically adjust energy resources to reduce the carbon footprint.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enables to obtain analytics from large volumes of data to optimize energy planning and resource management. In seaports, AI is able to predict energy demand by considering factors such as maritime traffic, weather conditions, and consumption patterns. In addition, AI helps identify inefficiencies and suggests improvements that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. AI automates decisions, enabling more sustainable port operations.

Smart Grids: These are advanced digital systems that enable more efficient and flexible management of energy supply. These grids integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and dynamically adjust energy distribution according to demand in real-time. In a port, a smart grid could coordinate energy supply to power electric vehicles and port equipment, minimizing the use of fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.

Simulation and digital modeling: These tools allow planning and optimizing the implementation of renewable energies and the electrification of operations. It also predicts how different energy scenarios will impact the sustainability and efficiency of the port, helping operators make decisions that promote decarbonization. For example, the simulation helps determine the best location to install solar panels or wind turbines at a port, making the most of renewable resources.

Blockchain for energy collaboration: is a fundamental technology in ports that ensures transparency in the supply chain and facilitates peer-to-peer energy trading. This technology allows port operators and energy users to track the origin of the energy they consume, ensuring that it comes from renewable sources. In addition, blockchain optimizes the management of energy consumption, facilitating collaboration between different actors to reduce carbon emissions.

Digital twins: This is an advanced digital technology that facilitates the optimization of port operations by predicting how changes in infrastructure, electrification of equipment, or integration of renewable energy influence operations. This reduces risks and associated costs, ensuring that decarbonization initiatives are implemented efficiently and effectively.

Collaborative technologies

Collaborative cloud platforms: Facilitate the coordination of sustainable projects, such as the integration of renewable energies or the optimization of shipping routes, through data sharing and joint decision-making. In the context of ports, these platforms efficiently manage daily operations in order to implement emission reduction strategies, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with sustainability goals.

Social networks and digital energy communities: These communities facilitate the exchange of best practices, and foster a collaborative environment conducive to innovation in energy resource management and the promotion of clean energy. For example, the creation of a port energy community allows the collective management of renewable energies generated in the port and their efficient distribution among users, for greater participation towards the development of green ports.

Energy Management Systems (EMSs): Through these systems, optimization of energy consumption is achieved through real-time monitoring and implementation of efficiency measures. Their effectiveness is increased by integrating with technologies such as IoT, AI, and Smart Grids. This integration enables continuous monitoring, facilitates strategic collaboration, and improves energy management, contributing directly to the sustainability and decarbonization of seaports.

Project management portals: These are collaborative methodologies that enable project planning, execution, and monitoring. These portals facilitate coordination between different work teams and organizations, ensuring that port energy projects are developed efficiently and on schedule.

Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) platforms: These are collaborative business models that allow ports to access clean energy solutions without the need for large upfront investments. These platforms allow ports and marine terminals to contract renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency services on demand. EaaS facilitates the pooled management of energy resources, optimizing their use and reducing carbon emissions.

The above technologies clearly outline the path towards the creation of green ports and maritime sustainability, providing innovative solutions that facilitate the transition to a carbon-free future for ports and marine terminals.

How are these technologies being applied to decarbonize ports?

Collaborative and digital technologies are transforming the way ports operate, driving a transition to more sustainable and efficient models. Tools such as SGEs, collaborative cloud platforms, IoT, and AI optimize energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate renewable energy into port operations.

In addition to optimizing energy, they improve resilience to climate change, allowing ports to adapt to extreme events through real-time monitoring and response systems. They also ensure efficient supply chain management, facilitating the development of alternative fuels and the electrification of port equipment. Data-driven predictive maintenance prevents operational failures, ensures operations, and contributes to sustainability and energy efficiency in the development of long-term green ports.

Leading ports and marine terminals in the transition to a zero-carbon future

Port of Gothenburg (Sweden): This port has implemented the Digital Port Call digital platform, designed to optimize ship arrivals and reduce CO2 emissions in the port area by approximately 6,000 tons annually. This digital platform enables effective coordination between multiple stakeholders within the port, making it easier for vessels to adjust their speed to arrive just in time, minimizing both waiting time and fuel consumption.

California Ports (United States): In 2023, five California seaports signed a collaborative agreement to develop a cloud-based shared data system. The goal is to improve supply chain resilience, increase efficiency in goods movement, and reduce emissions. The collaboration focuses on data interoperability, facilitating end-to-end visibility and connectivity in the supply chain, and achieving more efficient and sustainable management of port operations.

Conclusions

Digital and collaborative technologies have become indispensable tools for decarbonizing ports and marine terminals. The integration of innovations such as AI, IoT, and cloud platforms enables ports to manage resources more efficiently, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve the safety and sustainability of operations. In addition, these technologies prepare ports to face the adversities of climate change, ensuring more resilient operations adapted to future challenges.

This technological transformation requires intense collaboration among all industry stakeholders. By fostering the adoption of these technologies and promoting innovation, seaports have the opportunity to become leaders in sustainability, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come. Coordinated action in this regard is both necessary and essential.

References

1. IGI GLOBAL. ¿Qué es la tecnología digital? Accessed August 30, 2024 at https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/digital-technology/7723
2. Indeed. Tecnología colaborativa: definición, beneficios y características. Accessed August 30, 2024 at https://academia.crandi.com/negocios-digitales/que-son-las-tecnologias-digitales/