What is a
smart port?

Businesses and consumers across the globe rely on ports for the free flow of goods across borders, and they are directly affected when bottlenecks or disruptions arise at those ports. Under unprecedented pressure to modernize their operations and become more agile in an era of supply chain issues, port terminal operators are increasingly embracing the benefits of smart port technology. MarketsandMarkets projects that the global smart ports market will increase from approximately $1.9 billion in 2022 to an estimated $5.7 billion by 2027. Here's why smart ports are taking off and how port operators are using them to improve efficiency while creating a strong foundation for future innovation.

A smart port is a port that leverages advanced technologies to digitally transform key business processes, improve security, increase operational agility and make future technological innovation possible. At a high level, smart ports allow port operator leadership teams to make smarter decisions in less time by giving them access to better data. Akin to smart cities, smart ports around the world also deploy technology to accomplish strategic goals such as becoming more environmentally sustainable and scaling for growth.

A smart port incorporates a wide range of different technologies depending on its specific requirements, leveraging them in concert with one another to enable a continuous cycle of digital transformation. Smart port technology includes but is not limited to automation, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), big data, Internet of Things (IoT), enterprise business intelligence and digital twins. IoT sensors play a major role in data collection, enabling port operators to continually improve their operational efficiency and make smarter business decisions in less time. Blockchain is already being used to increase supply chain transparency by ensuring that all parties involved have access to the same digital record of a shipment as it travels from its point of origin to its destination. One day, it could even be used to improve the customs and collections process, streamlining the flow of goods across the globe even further. AR and VR can be used for troubleshooting equipment failures, carrying out predictive maintenance and training new employees.

Robust network connectivity, particularly in the form of 5G service, plays a critical role in enabling all these smart port technologies.

A smart port depends on reliable, low-latency connectivity throughout the entire premises to carry out its daily activities and enable future innovation. If a port employee needs to update customs with near real-time information such as the loading or discharge of a vehicle, for example, they will need a dependable network infrastructure to carry out that task.

A private 5G network could help provide efficient connectivity that keeps the business of the port running smoothly. Likewise, by allowing a port operator to consolidate some of its cloud computing and storage requirements, private mobile edge computing (MEC) can also support enhanced operational and cybersecurity measures.

One of the most compelling benefits of a smart port lies in its ability to collect data that can then be used to generate valuable business intelligence. Port operators can deploy IoT sensors almost anywhere, from individual trucks and forklifts to smart lighting systems. They can then use this information to improve key processes such as scheduling ideal times for ships to dock and then load and unload their cargo, maximizing the capacity of the port and increasing its profitability. IoT sensors allow operators to continuously monitor the health of critical infrastructure, so personnel can carry out predictive maintenance and avoid costly downtime. These sensors can also be used to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Enterprise business intelligence unlocks many of the most compelling innovations that a smart port provides. Associated British Ports (ABP) observed this firsthand at the Port of Southampton—one of the largest ports in the U.K.—where they deployed Verizon's Enterprise Intelligence solutions, including a private 5G network. Charged with modernizing the port and becoming more agile in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, ABP knew they needed to streamline their processes to obtain a consistent view of operations and enable new technology in the future. With a faster data exchange via 5G and near real-time analytics, the port authority can now update customs in real time, keep better track of vehicles and more efficiently move products off ships, into parking areas and out to buyers.

With Enterprise Intelligence solutions in place, ABP now has a free hand to innovate even further at the Port of Southampton. The firm is considering deploying digital twin technology to create a digital twin of the entire port, which would make it possible to explore proposed changes and visualize new use cases with minimal risk. With computer vision, ABP could also enable proactive alerts on available storage space, idle inventory and other key conditions across the port. By leveraging data from smart cameras, ABP could also improve safety for passengers and cyclists at port access roads. In short, Enterprise Intelligence solutions have enabled ABP to not only address its current needs but also proactively plan for future requirements as well.