Entering the fourth era of industrialisation (Industry 4.0) is inevitable for every sphere of industry, including the maritime industry. In order to boost productivity and global competitiveness, ports have undergone digital transformation to become “smart ports”, as they are known today. As the technology is rapidly evolving, digitalised ports are becoming the new normal, offering other countries a rich learning experience.

Southeast Asia Infrastructure provides a brief account of the some of the digital initiatives at key state-of-the-art maritime facilities…

Port of Singapore

The Port of Singapore is the biggest and busiest port in Southeast Asia and the second in the world after Shanghai port, China. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) first unveiled its smart initiatives in March 2015. The initiatives involved the use of mobile technology and wireless connectivity to enhance productivity levels and crew welfare. The MPA partnered with M1 Limited to provide low-cost, high-bandwidth, secured and wireless 4G broadband access with a coverage of up to 15 km of its coastline. In addition to this, the MPA launched a mobile application, myMaritime@SG, for the maritime community and public to access maritime information and services through the convenience of their mobiles. Since then, the MPA has undertaken a plethora of initiatives to fully exploit the potential of its competitive position on the world’s maritime trade routes.

In a recent development, the MPA has selected Solace’s PubSub+ platform as an infrastructure component for its upcoming Tuas mega port project. The new port will feature a command centre that will arrange the port’s automated operations and maintenance activities. The other key innovations will include unmanned vehicles such as automated yard cranes, use of data analytics and drones, driverless trucks for port transport, a next-generation vessel traffic management system (VTMS), computer-integrated terminal operations system and a computerised security system to detect anomalies. In addition, the port waters will be managed by next-generation port operation systems. Phase I of Tuas port is expected to be operationalised in 2021 and the entire project is likely to be completed by 2040. The new port is expected to consolidate Singapore’s position as one of the world’s most efficient and largest maritime logistics centre.

Port Klang, Malaysia

Port Klang is the second biggest port in the Southeast Asia region, situated on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula on the Malacca Strait. The Port Klang Authority has deployed a state-of-the-art VTMS to ensure the highest navigational safety in the port waters. The port’s community system links all its information technology (IT) systems to enable quick and easy access to information to enhance port operations. As part of its security policies, the Port Klang Authority also uses encryption software to safeguard its data.

Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia

With an annual capacity of 12.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the Port of Tanjung Pelepas is touted as Asia’s most technologically advanced port and Malaysia’s largest and most advanced container terminal. It is strategically located at the confluence of the main east-west shipping lanes and is situated in a sheltered bay with no tide restrictions. The terminal operations are backed by a state-of-the-art IT system with links to all port users. By synergising all port operations and communication centres, the IT network system facilitates free flow of real-time information and provides near-paperless transactions between shipping lines, forwarders and shipping agents, thus ensuring high productivity. In addition, the port’s rubber dtyred gantry yard cranes are retrofitted with an advanced satellite-guided automatic steering and position determination system, SmartRail, which uses differential global positioning system to pinpoint positioning accuracy to avoid misplaced containcers and reduce waiting time for load discharge. The other technologies the terminal boasts of are a container management system, gate control and monitoring system, port radar systems, and vessel clearance systems, among others.

Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand

The Port of Laem Chabang is home to one of Thailand’s most advanced container terminals, Terminal D, operated by Hutchison Ports. One of the initial phases of Terminal D was opened in January 2019. The terminal is equipped with one of the leading remote control technologies, which is expected to boost Hutchison Ports Thailand’s operational efficiency and productivity.

Terminal D is one of the world’s first container terminals to be fully equipped with remote control technology for all of its quay cranes and yard side rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs). The initial phase of the terminal has a combined berth length of 400 metres, besides three of the world’s largest quay cranes and 10 supporting RTGCs. Upon completion, the terminal will have a total berth length of 1,700 metres, 17 quay cranes and 43 remote-controlled RTGCs, all using remote control technology. This is expected to increase the terminal’s container handling capacity by approximately 40 per cent to 13 million TEUs. The adoption of remote control technology will enhance safety, efficiency and productivity for shipping lines and other port users.

In addition, the LCB Container Terminal 1 at Laem Chabang port is equipped with a state-of-the-art radio data terminal system (RDT), which provides timely and accurate information regarding container movements. The control centre continuously monitors information on the status of any container in the yard, as well as the progress of vessel operations. The RDT system greatly enhances real-time data transmission between the control centre and on-site operators.

Port of Tanjung Priok, Indonesia

Also known as the Port of Jakarta, the Port of Tanjung Priok is the biggest and most advanced port in Indonesia. PT Pelindo II, or the Indonesia Port Corporation (IPC), started deploying a digital system covering its seaside, terminal and other supporting activities in 2016. The IPC commenced digital transformation of the port to accelerate its dwell time by developing an integrated container freight station, modernising port infrastructure and superstructure, and optimising the use of IT in the form of a VTMS, marine operating system and other e-services. To realise this, Pelindo II has implemented a non-container terminal operating system, NPK TOS, to manage the port.

In sum

Digitalisation through internet of things (IoT) applications is rapidly changing the way businesses function, and ports are no exception. With rapidly increasing cargo volumes and rebalancing of trade blocs in recent times, it has become imperative for ports to embrace new technologies to not only ensure their relevance, but to display their competitive strength. The Southeast Asian countries can ensure higher growth by accelerating digitalisation at their ports and terminals. In this regard, blockchain is one of the technologies that could help ports to ensure greater productivity, besides e-commerce, artificial intelligence and IoT. The outbreak of Covid-19 has made the case for technology adoption even stronger, going forward.