Whereas only a few years ago, artificial intelligence (AI), green shipping corridors, and port digitalisation were still in their infancy stages, today, we find ourselves at a moment when they’ve started to grow and are being implemented at ports across the globe.

AI is already proving to be a success in revolutionising the industry by increasing efficiency, safety, and reducing operational costs. Green shipping corridors are recognised as a crucial next step in charting the collaborative efforts required by ports to develop the infrastructure and facilities to supply zero-carbon fuels at scale. Finally, the implementation of digital systems is turning ports “smarter”.

However, while all of this sounds promising, how do we ensure they all come together and create that smarter, greener and more efficient future that we’re striving for?

AI: a perfect student if instructed the correct way

AI solutions depend heavily on the methods used to train their underlying algorithms and the data inputted into them. This training aspect should not be overlooked when AI is first drafted in, and clearly defined outputs are essential to ensure that the system will not come up with unrealistic solutions. Moreover, the dataset used to help AI increase its learning and effectiveness must be clearly defined and ring-fenced, so the algorithm can “learn” from the port’s unique operations.

The results can be exceptional when implemented correctly. Our MarineM system, for example, has been able to reduce the overall distance travelled by tug and pilot operations by 20% since its deployment at Tanjung Priok port.

Dealing with data silos

While the digitalisation of systems has been in full swing for a while now, to make digitalisation truly work, ports need to ensure they’re not deploying a host of digital solutions without considering how they integrate and “talk” to each other.

When seamlessly integrated into the different services and providers involved in supporting arrivals in a port, a cohesive digital system that works together will undoubtedly increase a port’s efficiency as well as other areas, such as the welfare and safety of workers at the port.

How green corridors can help open the door:

Green corridors are one of the most popular buzzwords for ports across the globe right now, but with these collaborative agreements comes a need to ensure that a strong digital foundation is in place. Once built, the sharing of real-time data between ports will help optimise voyages for ships, while also leading to further innovation.

AI and digitalisation will be the key to unlock the potential of all these initiatives and moving them from agreements on paper to tangible results.

Read more in David’s editorial published in the Maritime Journal: https://www.maritimejournal.com/equipment/ai-digitalisation-and-green-corridors-hype-or-true-change/1489679.article

Singapore, 12 December 2023 – Johor Port Berhad, a major trade hub in Southern Malaysia, has announced an agreement with Innovez One, a leading provider of Port Management Information systems, to accelerate the digitalisation and boost the efficiency of Marine Services and Port Operations.

The partnership will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise operations and reduce GHG emissions at the fully Integrated Multi-Purpose Port, which is the world’s single largest Edible Oil Terminal and one of the few approved London Metal Exchange (LME) locations in the region. Innovez One’s AI-powered software, “marineM” will be used to digitalise and optimise the entire chain of Marine Services for ships arriving and departing Johor Port, from vessel registration to billing.

MarineM will use machine learning, a subset of AI, to automate and optimise the scheduling of Port, Tug and Pilotage services. Algorithms, using data on Johor Port’s unique operations, will dispatch Pilots and Tugboats in the most efficient way, and reallocate resources seamlessly when vessels’ ETAs change. This is key to maximising fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from those fleets, while also minimising congestion for visiting ships.

Crucially, the marineM platform will provide Port Managers with real-time tracking of Marine Services operations, while also integrating data into a single dashboard for business and operational analytics. This will unlock new insights that will help optimise operations further and facilitate critical decisions such as investments in new infrastructure, for example.

For visiting ships, the Digital System will enable Agents to register their vessels, request services and track the progress of each job in real time through an Online portal that can be accessed wherever they are, and whatever device they are using. The System will also automate the Billing process and Tariff management, which will help eliminate billing issues, delays and disputes.

Md Derick Basir, CEO of Johor Port, said: “As the Southern Gateway for Malaysia, Johor Port plays a vital role not only for our local communities and businesses, but also for the economy of the entire region. Our ambition is to deliver smart, efficient and sustainable Port Operations, while ensuring safety at all times, and digitalisation is at the heart of our strategy to deliver that vision. We are proud to partner with Innovez One to harness the latest advances in artificial intelligence to optimise planning and, ultimately, achieve greater fuel and operational efficiency. This will enable us to serve our customers and communities better while reducing our environmental footprint.”

David Yeo, CEO of Innovez One, said: “Ports around the world are experiencing profound and fast-paced transformations. They are pressed to not only tackle congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to play new roles as energy hubs for green shipping – and do all this while continuing to thrive commercially. Digitalisation is the essential foundation on which progress can be built, helping ports become smarter, greener and more transparent, while also delivering key insights to support strategic decision-making. We are delighted to support Johor Port as it joins the growing ranks of the fully digitised ports of tomorrow.”

The port sector also faces this challenge. In a highly competitive environment, ports need to manage their operations while dealing with the complexities of fluctuating global supply chains, the decarbonisation transition and geopolitical uncertainties. To thrive in this complex and fast-evolving playing field, ports must consider methods to make analysing data and berthing of ships more competitive and efficient. The rise of AI is an opportunity to do so.

Investments into AI will support short and long-term optimisation and efficiency. The market is poised to grow rapidly, with reports anticipating the AI-driven systems and vessel autonomy market to reach a combined worth of $5 billion by 2028.

The potential of AI in the port sector is undoubtedly vast, but understanding the current landscape is key to make the most of the technology.

Does AI equal efficiency?

AI, when trained and developed wisely, can be transformative. However, a heavy reliance on AI isn’t always a necessity for efficiency gains. Many ports are still stuck with essential information scattered across paper reports, outdated spreadsheets, and whiteboards.

Therefore, the biggest improvements might lie hidden in conventional tools, waiting to be uncovered through a coordinated digital approach. Upgrading to modern, connected digital solutions is a vital initial step towards greater operational efficiency, helping optimise schedules and operations and providing actionable insights to guide strategic decision-making.

Therefore, while AI holds potential, in many cases true efficiency gains might come from digitalisation efforts. A coordinated approach, whether involving AI or not, will allow for ports’ growth and enhance operational efficiency.

Is AI safe and reliable for port operations?

There’s no room for errors in ports – unlike conversation algorithms, experimenting with port efficiency and safety isn’t an option. Safety is non-negotiable.

Here, it is important to recognise that not all AI is the same, so the application of AI in maritime operations takes a distinct approach.

While applications like Chat-GPT and DALL-E reply on pattern matching, using language and visual databases, our marineM system, which optimises port, tug and pilotage operations, is trained using a carefully curated dataset on the ports’ unique operations and given a clear set of parameters. The system then goes through a series of “reality checks” which teaches it the “right” answers. These continuous checks and adjustments, based on real operational data, help ensure safe, reliable responses that even improve with time, as the algorithm “learns” from the port’s operations.

Learn more in the November edition of HANSA’s printed publication: https://www.innovez-one.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HANSA-Coverage-Innovez-One.pdf

Artificial intelligence is regularly making headlines for enabling breakthroughs in sectors as varied as medicine, drug discovery and finance. Algorithms powered by machine learning, a subset of AI, can generate text, images and music, and even help identify genes responsible for diseases, but what exactly can they achieve for the maritime sector?

With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions from shipping and wider supply chains, could AI support port’s efforts to deliver smarter, greener operations? The short answer is yes – here are three examples in which AI can provide an invaluable helping hand at a time when ports have to reinvent themselves.

1. Optimising Port Operations

One area where AI is already advancing port efficiency and sustainability is by automating and optimising ports, tug, and pilotage operations. Machine learning enables algorithms to “learn” from a port’s data, predicting job durations based on ship types and required services. These predictions allow algorithms to efficiently deploy resources such as tugboats and pilot boats, solving complex puzzles and taking into account additional constraints such as the need to assign pilots to specific vessel types and sizes depending on their licence, the types and number of tugboats required for each job, and the shuttles needed to take the pilots to the correct boarding grounds.

AI-powered optimisation for port operations ensures all the moving parts align to welcome ships precisely when they arrive in ports. This directly impacts the waiting times for incoming ships, thereby reducing congestion and helping slash overall emissions from port operations. For example, in Tanjung Priok, our AI-powered MarineM system has reduced distances travelled by 20% and cut average waiting times for visiting ships from 2.4 hours to 30.6 minutes.

2. Berth Management

Machine learning can also help optimise berth management, ensuring that the right ship is assigned to the right berth at the right time to respond to its needs.

Berth allocation is a complex problem, as ships and resources must be allocated to the right berth given a number of constraints, such as the vessel size and type, the availability of cranes, and the need for offshore power, for instance. Getting this allocation right is going to become even more important in the future, as vessels will be powered by different types of fuels and clean technologies, making their needs for port services more specific.

3. Predicting and Managing Congestion

Looking at the advancement of AI, we can anticipate a future where AI-powered algorithms could evaluate and forecast port congestion levels using aerial imagery. Such technology could enable ports to identify critical situations and take proactive measures to mitigate congestion, further optimising operations and reducing their environmental impact.

AI models could also help predict vessel arrival times more accurately, which would support key initiatives such as “Just in time” arrivals. Combined with congestion predictions, this could be used to advise ships when they can reduce their speed (and thereby their CO2 emissions), supporting more sustainable and smarter shipping.

How to get it right?

The question now isn’t whether AI should be used in the maritime sector, but how to harness it effectively. When it comes to ports and shipping operations, the stakes are high in terms of both efficiency and safety. With ports and shipping operations, there is no room for mistakes. Unlike conversation algorithms, we can’t experiment at will with port efficiency and safety.

To achieve reliable results through AI optimisation, proper training is essential. In port operations, AI can be trained objectively, with algorithms learning what constitutes a “good answer” from a tailored dataset and clear parameters. To achieve this, a key part of the training is “reality checks” which tests the algorithms predictions and schedules against actual durations. This helps the algorithm learn from a port’s specific operations and constraints and fine-tune its answers for its next schedules. This also means that the longer the system is in place in a port, the more accurate it becomes.

Read more about the potential of AI for port operations in Grant’s op-ed for Splash 24/7 here: https://splash247.com/the-full-potential-of-ai-for-ports-is-yet-to-come/.

The maritime sector as a whole is facing growing market and regulatory pressure to decarbonise, and ports will have a key role to play in making green shipping a reality. Not only can ports reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their own operations, but they will also be central to enabling vessels to achieve net-zero operations, and supporting new supply chains emerging for low- and zero-carbon fuels.

But where to start? By building a strong digital foundation. Comprehensive data and automated processes will be essential to make operations smarter on a day-to-day basis. It will also assist ports with the pivotal strategic decisions they must take to achieve sustainability and decarbonisation.

Reducing GHG emissions

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help ports slash their own carbon footprint, while also helping visiting ships reduce their GHG emissions in the critical “first and last mile” of their journey at sea. This is because reducing vessel wait times – as well as the amount of carbon emitted by the ports’ own fleets of tug and pilotage boats – requires organising them in the most efficient way possible.

In practice, AI-powered algorithms can optimise port, tug and pilotage operations, solving complex puzzles and calculating optimal resource allocation – considering additional constraints such as the need to assign pilots to specific vessel types and sizes depending on their licence, the types and number of tugboats required for each job, and the shuttles needed to take the pilots to the correct boarding grounds. Using machine learning, algorithms can identify patterns and trends, allowing the technology to predict future resource requirements. These capabilities can result in improved operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and better overall performance.

Tackling port congestion

One of the key benefits of AI and data-driven insights in port management is the ability to mitigate congestion. By using real-time data and analytics, ports can effectively manage vessel movements, optimise berthing schedules, and logistics. This not only minimises waiting times and improves turnaround efficiency but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with congestion.

Strategic decision-making

Finally, digitalisation and analytics can provide ports with vital insights for strategic decisions that will shape their decarbonised future. By having access to accurate data, port operators can make informed decisions, identify trends, and capitalise on opportunities that will arise from the green economy. This helps them stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry and adapt to changing market demands. Therefore, ports’ digital transformation will contribute to the larger goal of achieving sustainable maritime transportation.

To learn more about the potential of AI-driven technology to help achieve more sustainable and efficient port operations, read David’s article in Riviera Maritime Media: https://www.rivieramm.com/opinion/smart-green-ports-are-enablers-of-decarbonisation-74457

The answer is: yes. While some ports are still using whiteboards or spreadsheets, pioneering ports are already using AI to automate and optimise port, tug and pilotage operations. Machine learning, a subset of AI which enables software to “learn” from data without being explicitly programmed, can improve the efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of these complex operations.

Pilots must be assigned to specific vessel types and sizes depending on their licence, tugboats must be in sufficient numbers for the job, and shuttles must be planned to take the pilots to the correct boarding grounds. AI and machine learning can use GPS and AIS data to track the position of each vessel and the status of jobs in real time. These technologies can learn from historical data to predict the duration of each job based on factors such as the weather conditions, vessel type and level of service required. They can reallocate resources instantly if a vessel’s ETA changes, giving ports the flexibility they need to respond to problems or delays elsewhere in the supply chain.

Ports in Europe and Asia are already benefitting. For example, in Tanjung Priok, the 22nd busiest port in the world, this technology has reduced the overall distance travelled during tug and pilot operations by 20% and slashed average waiting times for visiting ships, from 2.4 hours to around just 30 minutes.

Moving forward, we can imagine a future where the power of AI will be expanded to more areas of port operations. For instance, machine learning has the potential to help optimise berth management, to ensure that ships are allocated to the right berth at the right time.

Berth allocation is a complex puzzle with numerous constraints, such as the vessel size and type, tidal restrictions, the availability of cranes, and the need for offshore power. The puzzle is likely to become even more complex moving forward, as vessels will be powered by different fuels and technologies, making their needs for port services more specific. Algorithms powered by machine learning could learn from a ports’ data to solve these puzzles seamlessly.

Another potential application of AI is the monitoring of port congestion. Algorithms could be trained to assess and predict levels of congestion from aerial images. This could help ports identify critical situations and take early action to ease congestion before it spirals.

Machine learning could also help predict actual vessel arrival times more accurately, supporting “just in time” initiatives that can significantly cut idling times for visiting vessels. Combined with congestion predictions, this could be used to advise ships to slow down and delay their arrivals, which would help reduce congestion and potentially their emissions – supporting smarter and more sustainable shipping.

Ports are experiencing one of the most fundamental transformations of a generation, as they strive to reduce their own emissions and support decarbonisation across broader supply chains. The scale of the challenge could be matched by the growing potential of a new ally in the journey: AI.

You can register for the Smart Digital Ports of the Future conference by following this link.

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has entered an agreement with Innovez One, a provider of port management systems, to accelerate the digitalisation of its port calls and operations.

Under the agreement, Innovez One will provide its flagship software, “marineM”, to fully digitise and optimise crucial marine services for vessels arriving and departing Ireland’s second-largest port.

MarineM will automate and improve the scheduling of port, tug, and pilotage services, which are crucial for efficient operations. Using algorithms powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, marineM’s planning module will manage schedules and dispatch resources – assigning pilots and tugboats to jobs in the most efficient way, and reallocating resources seamlessly if a vessel’s ETA changes.

This latest step in the Port of Cork’s digital journey will boost the efficiency of service fleets, thereby minimising the overall distance travelled, eliminating unnecessary journeys and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will also assist the port in enhancing berth management, which plays a key role in building port resilience and minimising congestion.

Furthermore, agents will be able to register their vessels, order services such as supplies, logistics and marine services, and track the progress of each job from an online portal available on mobile phones. The system will also automate the billing process, which will boost transparency and accuracy, and help eliminate billing issues, delays and disputes.

Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company, said: “The Port of Cork plays a central role for our local communities and businesses, keeping Ireland connected as part of global supply chains. We have high ambitions to deliver smarter, greener and more efficient operations, which will benefit our environment as well as the local and national economy. Having a strong digital backbone is essential to this. By partnering with Innovez One, we are proud to take the next step of our digitalisation journey, fully harnessing the latest advances in artificial intelligence to create a more efficient and sustainable future.”

Grant Ingram, CEO of Innovez One for the UK and Europe, said: “Digitalisation is an essential foundation that enables ports to tackle the most pressing challenges they face today, from persisting congestion to the need to reduce their emissions. Smart ports will also be the ones best placed to position themselves in the greener supply chains of tomorrow, and support decarbonization in shipping and beyond. We are proud to work with the Port of Cork on this project, which will show how our state-of-the-art technology can deliver new heights in terms of efficiency and help deliver their ambitious vision for the future.”

On November 8^th in London, Innovez One entered the Seatrade Maritime Awards hall of fame by winning in the “Logistics Solution of the Year” category. The award recognises a significant contribution to advancing efficiency in the movement of cargo worldwide.

The panel of judges delivered this recognition to Innovez One for its MarineM software, which harnesses artificial intelligence to enable ports of all sizes, as well as tug and pilotage operators, to digitise and optimise their operations – reducing the risk of congestion and aiding their decarbonisation efforts.

The Seatrade Awards are one of the most prestigious honours in the maritime sector, recognising champions of innovation, technology and sustainability in the industry. A total of 15 winners were celebrated during the ceremony.

Innovez One’s Chairman Anthony Nissen attended the ceremony and was delighted to accept the award.

Innovez One’s CEO for the UK and Europe Grant Ingram commented: “We are honoured to receive this award, which recognises the central role of digitalisation in creating a generation of smart ports that will be at the heart of the supply chains of the future.”

He added: “Artificial intelligence opens up unprecedented opportunities, and the transformation has already begun. At Innovez One we are proud to empower tug operators and ports from around the world as they use data to optimise their operations, improve their efficiency and reduce their emissions.”

“Brought together, these local actions are the building blocks of the efficient and sustainable supply chains that our planet needs.”

A victory at the Go Global Awards

Innovez One was also victorious at the Go Global Awards, which took place in Estonia on 19^th-21^st of October. Innovez One won in the Supply Chain Management category, with the judges recognising the company’s contribution to smarter and more efficient global supply chains through digitalisation.

Innovez One was selected among over 6,000 applicants from 83 countries.

The ceremony was organised by a partnership between the International Trade Council and the Estonian Business and Innovation agency to celebrate the most significant innovations and digital solutions worldwide.

Receiving the award, our CEO and Founder David Yeo commented: “This award strengthens our dedication to support ports of all sizes to become smart ports, which will help them tackle some of the most pressing challenges they face today, from unprecedented congestion to the need to improve sustainability.”

The joint platform, Port Management Insights (PMIn-sightsTM), will use historical and real-time data (coming from sensor-based IoT technology) to improve the operational efficiency of port, towage and pilotage operations, building on both companies’ expertise with machine learning automation and artificial intelligence (AI). An analytics dashboard will integrate data from several sources and applications, facilitating data sharing and enabling managers to see all information in one place.
Moreover, this partnership will enable the two companies to develop a data library of use cases, and create tailored advanced solutions to support port management.

Grant Ingram, CEO of Innovez One for the UK and Europe, commented: “We are excited to partner with Aventra Group to help deliver state-of-the-art digital solutions for more ports around the world. As a growing number of ports embrace digitalisation as the foundation for their sustainable future, we are proud to be delivering even more value through user-friendly solutions that help them improve efficiency, make robust decisions, and reduce their emissions.”

Juan Jose Gil, CEO & Executive Director of Aventra Digital, said: “We are very excited to be joining forces with Innovez-One to contribute to the acceleration of Ports’ Digital Transformation. The digital era is the era of collaboration where leading companies bring in their best strengths to build unprecedented value. This partnership will equip ports to run smoother with an in-depth understanding of their operations while uncovering all the potential for improvement.”

Innovez One’s and Aventra’s decision to partner up will foster agile decision-making, enabling ports around the world to adapt to rapidly changing scenarios while properly managing risks and opportunities for all the stakeholders of the cluster. This attests to the commitment of both companies to their missions in the maritime industry.

Singapore, 18 August 2022 – Innovez One, a leading provider of digital solutions for the world’s ports, will supply its flagship software MarineM to Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS), a provider of pilotage and towage services for the port of Muara, the most important commercial maritime hub in Brunei.

By deploying MarineM, DPS will fully digitise and optimise crucial marine services for vessels arriving and departing the port of Muara, from vessel registration to billing. MarineM’s digital platform will replace paper-based processes to capture job requests, track the progress of each job in real time, and generate invoices automatically. Agents will be able to use an online portal to register their port calls, providing the convenience to order services from mobile devices and eliminating time-consuming manual workflows. This will support transparency, minimise the risk of errors, and help eliminate billing issues, delays, and disputes.

Innovez One’s AI-powered solution will also be used to automate and optimise the scheduling of port, tug and pilotage services. Key operations including vessel allocation and job planning and tracking will henceforth be managed through a robust and flexible digital platform, rather than manual processes such as whiteboards, paper and spreadsheets. This digital transition will boost the efficiency of service fleets, giving DPS greater scope to optimise vessel and berth allocation, while also helping curb fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Innovez One’s MarineM software uses GPS and AIS data to track the position of each vessel and the status of jobs in real time and applies artificial intelligence to automate scheduling – allocating resources as efficiently as possible and ensuring that any last-minute requests or changes in vessels’ ETAs are handled instantly. This plays a key role in building port resilience and minimising congestion for arriving vessels.

Zil Husam Abd Rahman, General Manager at Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS), commented: “We are excited to enter the digital era with Innovez One’s state-of-the-art solutions, which will help us unlock the full potential of our tug, pilot and towage services, maximise our operational efficiency, and deliver a paper-free and stress-free experience for our clients. As the main gateway for international trade, the Port of Muara is an essential hub for the development of Brunei Darussalam and other economies in the region. Entering the digital era will enable us to not only offer the best possible service to our customers, but also play an even greater role in delivering sustainable development for our country and communities.”

David Yeo, CEO and Founder of Innovez One, said: “We fundamentally believe that every port can become a smart port, using our turnkey solutions to help them achieve their specific objectives. Digitalisation has the potential to dramatically transform ports of all sizes and on all continents, enhancing their competitiveness and profitability, while also helping them improve their sustainability and reduce their emissions, now and in the long term. We are delighted to partner with DPS and welcome this key towage and pilotage provider as a fully-fledged member of the global network of smart, sustainable ports of the future.”