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2018 saw some real progress with the increasing use of drones, monitor terminal operations, and the growth of cloud connectivity within smart ports. We were on the verge of some real technological breakthroughs. Let’s take a look at what we hope to break through in this year. 5G Networks 5G ecosystems are fast and can assist automation and artificial intelligence that will help meet operational demands. Many Terminals and Ports are very eager to take advantage of this. Hamburg tested this 5G technology as it was preparing to become “a hub for next-generation industrial mobile communications”. The trials conducted by the port suggest that the technology will help engineers on site to “monitor and optimize construction planning”. 5G technology can be used more and more for day-to-day operations as well. They can also transfer data safely within miliseconds , helping improve efficiency.  This supports digital transformation of the industry, by helping link all stakeholders and create a more intelligent supply chain. This is the final link that will help the industry get to Internet of Things (IoT). Sensor Technology Cellular IoT is a means of connecting physical objects; for ports and terminals, it can be implemented so that port equipment is able transmit data through sensor technology for more independent, automated and efficient operations. Major companies are already investing in technology such as sensors to help them with their everyday operations. “Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a shipping company committed to innovation, has tested a container tracking management system which employs optical sensors to detect changes in condition, including whether or not the container is opened by an unauthorized party.” Ports and Terminals are interested in the type of data that the smart sensors generate and how they can use that data to their advantage. Internet of Vehicles After Internet of Things (IoT), technology companies are also looking at Internet of Vehicles to further automation. This is still in the earlier stages of development. Experts look at seeing this concept take flight this year to support effective management and increasing safety. There is already evidence of leading port facilities in Europe integrating IoV technology, with the Port of Valencia and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company working together to integrate a new truck solution from Traxens . MSC’s Spain trucks were equipped with specially designed IoT devices, which tracked the vehicles in real-time to help Valencia predict and prepare for potential arrivals and congestion at the port’s gates. As Agustina Calatayud states in a technical paper focused upon the connected supply chain, IoT and sensor technology can also be used elsewhere to support vehicles arriving at ports and terminals. She writes: “Sensors placed on parking spots at logistics and port facilities can generate information on available spots, the best route to reach them, and the expected cost”, which leads to faster delivery times and higher savings for every party involved in the maritime supply chain. Port Centric Logistics Although technology could provide the key to higher efficiency and reliability, for the ports and terminals sector, there is also a need for these centres of trade to streamline their own logistics infrastructure. The rise of port centric logistics in importance is chiefly down to the end-to-end demands of the modern day supply chain. International mega-firms such as Amazon have changed the expectations of customers when it comes to speed of delivery, meaning the ports that invest in their wider processes and provide a conducive environment for the sorting of goods, before they even enter the wider chain, are sure to achieve much more business. Maritime businesses which can integrate port centric logistics into their everyday operations may find the improvement is equally significant to the positive impact of a new technology, clearing an all-new path for successful ports to follow, and threatening ports who do not keep pace with a loss of business. Source: Port Technology