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Port Automation
Context:
As India accelerates investments in ports, the role of emerging technologies will determine the success and efficiency of such infrastructure. From automation to sharing shipment data, India ports are adopting the latest technologies.
Smart PORT / Port Automation market:
- The market for port automation is growing substantially. The global smart ports market was valued at $2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $15.5 billion by 2032, according to a report by Allied Market Research.
- Smart ports, also known as intelligent digital ports,represent a transformative paradigm in the maritime industry.These ports harness the power of advanced technologies, data analytics, and AI (artificial intelligence) to enhance efficiency, safety, sustainability, and overall operational performance.
Recent initiatives of port automation in India and abroad :
- India’s first transshipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala has automated some processes. It offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels and has state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle the largest container ships.
- That is in line with international ports deploying emerging technologies to increase efficiency. In a partnership, Huawei is building the digital twin of China’s Tianjin port.
Drivers of Port Automation:
- Terminal Operators: They drive automation primarily to enhance productivity and reduce handling costs.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is implementing a variety of smart solutions, including the Port Community System (PCS) and automated systems for cargo handling. These initiatives have helped reduce turnaround times and improve cargo tracking.
- Visakhapatnam Port:The port has adopted smart technology to manage cargo flow and improve operational efficiency, contributing to its status as one of the leading ports in India.
- Port Authorities: These authorities are motivated by security concerns and congestion management.
- Following the 9/11 attacks, there has been increased emphasis on security and automation at port gates to facilitate faster and more efficient processing.
- Shipping Companies: They push for faster loading and unloading to minimise time in port and optimise vessel schedules.
Environmental and Sustainability Goals in Ports
- Green Port Initiatives: Ports are adopting cleaner technologies to reduce their environmental impact.
- For instance, Chennai Port is implementing measures to cut emissions and enhance energy efficiency as part of its green port efforts.
- Sustainable Practices: Ports such as Kandla Port are focusing on sustainability by investing in renewable energy and improving waste management systems to lower their environmental footprint.
Steps taken by Indian Government for Port automation
- India has committed to invest~80 trillion for port development.In that work smart technologies will be at the core for efficient cargo management.
- It has built a digital platform called Ulip
ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform)
- Is a digital gateway facilitating access to logistics-related datasets across government systems via APIs.
- ULIP enhances efficiency by integrating diverse systems and streamlining processes across the logistics sector.
- Key points about ULIP include:
- Integration: ULIP is linked with 37 systems from 10 ministries through 118 APIs, covering over 1,800 data fields.
- Adoption: More than 900 private companies are registered on the ULIP portal, which supports over 90 applications and has processed more than 350 million API transactions.
- Examples of Use:
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- Ultratech Cement: Uses ULIP to verify the compliance of carrier vehicles and drivers instantly.
- Intugine: Utilises ULIP’s Fastag API for road transportation tracking and rail cargo planning.
- Yes Bank: Leverages ULIP APIs for confirming cargo movement.
- Lynkit: Employs ULIP data for automating gate and yard processes in manufacturing.
- TCIL: Uses ULIP’s eKYC, backed by DigiLocker, for efficient electronic verification of documents.
- Cargo Shakti: Applies ULIP data for digital evidence in insurance settlements, reducing documentation.
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- Sagarmala Project: Launched by the Government of India, this initiative focuses on modernising ports and enhancing connectivity. It involves developing new ports, expanding existing ones, and integrating smart technologies.
- The Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) estimates that these projects will increase port capacity by over 1,000 million tonnes per annum.
- National Perspective Plan (NPP): This plan aims to improve port infrastructure, integrate smart technologies, and enhance logistics efficiency.
- The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in 2022, seeks to streamline logistics operations, including port activities, by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. It emphasises adopting automation and digital technologies to optimise logistics and supply chain processes, improving the overall logistics ecosystem.
