Automation in the port industry

The port industry refers to all economic and commercial activities related to ports and maritime transport. It includes container handling, ship traffic, warehouse management, logistics and the transport by sea.

This sector is a key part of the global economy, since it allows the transport of goods internationally and within the same country. Likewise, the port industry is responsible for the efficient management of logistics and the transport of merchandise, which allows a faster and more efficient distribution of merchandise to its final destination.

Thanks to new technological advances, the port industry is constantly evolving and growing. The use of new technologies and tools such as automation has fostered this unprecedented transformation, which is essential to achieve this drive towards digitization and improvement of the entire port sector.

Some of the best port terminals in the world have implemented systems to control processes and machinery based on the automation of data management or operations control. All of this has given way to the so-called automatic terminals, which are increasingly playing a leading role in the maritime world. But also automation in the port industry uses the most advanced technologies to control and optimize operations in a seaport. This includes the use of robots, motion control systems, sensors, and information management systems to automate tasks such as container handling, maritime traffic management, and warehouse management.

How to implement automation in the port industry

Before investing in automation, it is important to assess the needs and objectives of the seaport and thus plan and design an automation system that meets the specific requirements of the port. Then there’s the selection of the appropriate technologies and the best companies dedicated to this sector to implement the automation system, such as robots, sensors, movement control systems, among others.

Next comes the implementation of the automation system, which includes the installation of the selected technologies, the integration of the systems and the training of personnel. It is also important to perform extensive testing and continually monitor the system to ensure it is working properly and effectively. However, since automation is a continuous process and technology is constantly evolving, it will be more than necessary to evaluate and continuously improve the implemented system to ensure its maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

However, it should be noted that a high initial investment must be made in this process to carry out a port automation process. It is also more than necessary to train all human resources, so that they know how to deal with the new challenges that come with having the best technologies in the entity.

Importance of automation in the port industry

To become a smartport, a port terminal requires the automation of its main areas. Its fundamental purpose is to introduce a new standard of efficiency and consistency in cargo handling and to reduce labor costs and carbon emissions. As the demand for efficiency and transparency grows, it is becoming clear that automated ports and terminals will take the lead, setting themselves apart from the rest through their investment in automation. Some of the advantages of port industry automation are:

Increased efficiency

Automation enables more accurate monitoring and more efficient management of maritime traffic, container handling and warehouse management, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs. The smartports also have a better use of the available space, which allows a better performance in the entity.

Improved port security

This technology minimizes the need for human intervention in dangerous tasks, which helps the different agents that make up a port community to manage and operate safely, which has repercussions for both its staff and the environment.

Higher productivity

Automation allows for greater speed and accuracy in tasks, resulting in better productivity and reduced waiting times. For example, the loading and unloading of containers are controlled automatically thanks to computers and intelligent systems, which also means that the transport of containers is done by vehicles without drivers. This increases the number of containers that can be loaded and unloaded, which affects the productivity of the port entity.

Costs reduction

Automation can help reduce labor costs, call times for vessels (a fact that is especially noticeable when dealing with large container ships), energy efficiency and fuel usage, and waste generation within the terminal, which ultimately has an impact on reducing costs and therefore increasing positive results. Likewise, there are lower maintenance costs since problems can be anticipated and activity data is available.

Quality improvement

Automation allows for more accurate monitoring and more efficient management of operations, resulting in higher quality operations.

More friendly to the environment

In general, there is a conception that environmental pollution is greater in port areas. Precisely, as part of the commitment to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere from ships, in addition to toxic waste into the sea as a result of port activity, automation allows not only to reduce all unfavorable indices with environmental protection, but also which also contributes to developing a sustainable port from an economic, social and environmental point of view.

In short, automation in the port industry can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity, resulting in greater competitiveness and better service to customers.