The maritime industry is on the cusp of a digital revolution, but the port services sector is lagging behind, stuck in the doldrums of traditional methods. Kris Vedat, former head of technology and logistics at P&O Maritime Logistics and now chief technology officer at SmartSea, pulls no punches when he says, “Digital technologies have the potential to bring transformative changes.” Yet, the sector is grappling with communication challenges, vessel size limits, and the perceived high cost of implementation. These barriers are like anchors dragging the industry down, preventing it from harnessing the immense benefits of digitalisation and AI.
Vedat paints a picture of a future where real-time monitoring of fuel consumption, AI-enabled route optimisation, and strategic vessel deployment are the norm. This isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about environmental sustainability too. By reducing fuel usage and emissions, ports can play a significant role in combating climate change. But to get there, the industry needs to overcome some serious hurdles.
The lack of an affordable and reliable communication infrastructure is a major stumbling block. As Vedat puts it, “Digitally, ships do not talk to ports at all which can cause huge delays when a ship gets to port.” It’s like trying to have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language—frustrating and inefficient. High implementation costs, cyber-security concerns, and the need for workforce training are other significant barriers. But Vedat is clear: “The path to digital maturity in the port services sector may be complex, but the benefits far outweigh the obstacles.”
So, what’s the solution? Vedat suggests leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology with high-speed, low-latency connectivity. This could reduce costs, making digitalisation accessible even for smaller vessels. By harnessing the vast amount of data available, port service providers can optimise operations, enhance situational awareness, and provide improved services to their clients. Digital twin and virtual reality technologies, along with AI-powered tools, can further revolutionise the sector. These technologies can predict maintenance needs, optimise berth allocation, and reduce downtime, enhancing operational efficiency and minimising costs.
But it’s not just about the technology. Collaboration among stakeholders, investment in advanced technologies, and a focus on upskilling the workforce are essential to overcome these challenges. As Vedat says, “The path to digital maturity in the port services sector may be complex, but the benefits far outweigh the obstacles.”
SmartSea, backed by technology provider SITA, is already taking lessons learned from the aviation industry and applying them to maritime. Using OneLink’s digital twin technology, SmartSea is providing smarter, more efficient and safe technology solutions. This could be a game-changer, a catalyst for the digital transformation the maritime industry so desperately needs.
The question is, will the port services sector rise to the challenge? Will it embrace digitalisation and AI, or will it continue to be left behind? The future of the maritime industry hangs in the balance. The potential benefits are immense, but so are the challenges. It’s time for the industry to step up, to invest in technology, to upskill its workforce, and to collaborate. The future of maritime is digital, and it’s time for the port services sector to catch up.
