The Port of Algeciras was once again offered the opportunity to take part in the spring edition of the Smart Digital Ports of the Future event, organised by Port Technology International and which, on this occasion, was held virtually between 29 March and 1 April.
The event, which involved the participation of more than 60 speakers from the main international ports, alongside leading companies in the global supply chain, focused on analysing, debating and sharing the best practices and latest advances in automation, sustainability and connectivity.
Representing APBA, Paco de los Santos, Head of the Technological-Development Department, took part in one of the debate panels included on the fourth and final day. The panel, entitled ‘New Business Models for Technology Projects in Ports & Terminals of the Future’, brought together Wabtec Corporation, the Port of Quebec, Port XL, ILWU Canada, PortXchange, TiL Group and the Algeciras Bay Port Authority, with the aim of debating new business models for technological projects in the ports and terminals of the future.
During the debate, the need for the terminal and port sector to attract and develop new business models was discussed, particularly those aimed at promoting collaboration and inclusion and therefore exploiting the potential advantages of automation and digitalisation. Likewise, it was argued that, no matter how exciting the implementation of new technologies may be, projects must be approached with people and human resources in mind. As such, it is essential that workers are trained in order to make full use of these new technologies, as the collaboration of all interested parties is key to success in the implementation of new technologies.
Over the four days of the event, multiple topics of interest were discussed, such as the use of autonomous vehicles, the application of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology within the port environment, the exchange of data and standardisation, the use of digitalisation to improve the sustainability of ports and the improvement of automation through the use of 5G, among others.
One session of particular note focused on the use of data to improve decision making. This served to analyse how ports may interpret large quantities of information generated from port operations in order to help optimise their processes and get the most out of the decisions made. So-called emerging technologies have been around long enough in many ports to allow data analysists to identify trends within individual data sets, thus facilitating a better understanding of what is happening at each point of port operations.
The event was attended by more than 600 attendees from 70 countries, and offered the opportunity to establish contacts with the main sector stakeholders via the internet.
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