Ports across the Southeast Asia (SEA) region are leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to enhance their operational efficiency, safety and sustainability. This also helps them in automating and streamlining operations and improving their capacity to manage large volumes of cargo. Besides, technology collaborations are essential to improve overall competitiveness. Some of the key elements of smart ports are the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data and blockchain. However, maintaining data and privacy will remain a key challenge for port operators. Port operators need to ensure that compliance with security regulations is met to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks.
Southeast Asia Infrastructure presents the key digital initiatives undertaken across the SEA region…
Malaysia
Cutting-edge technologies have been deployed at ports, enabling automated and efficient container handling, predictive maintenance, enhanced security measures, and setting new standards in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Recently, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) approved Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd’s (a unit of Tanco Holdings Bhd) plans for a smart AI container port in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The in-principle approval is subject to various technical studies and preliminary conditions. Preliminary conditions include hiring a licensed surveyor to identify the sea area required for the jetty or other on-water structures and receiving ownership approval for the section. Additional conditions include the approval of studies on the project’s impact on the environment, traffic, hydrology, society and fisheries. The project will provide logistical advantages by
significantly reducing transport costs for gateway containers for businesses and enhancing the speed and efficiency of transhipment containers. Thus, it is expected to decrease carbon emissions in the region. In another development, Kale Logistics and its partner Dagang Net Technologies (Dagang Net) have been awarded a contract to develop a national digital platform, the Malaysia Maritime Single Window (MMSW), by the Port Klang Authority and its nine subsidiary ports. MMSW will streamline trade and shipping services by creating a central database to facilitate end-to-end information flow. Thus, it will simplify maritime regulatory and port service transactions. The platform will connect Malaysia’s ports to create the largest network of tech-enabled ports in a single country. It is expected to optimise the operation of Malaysia’s maritime industry and enhance port efficiency.
Singapore
Singapore is collaborating with other nations to digitally enhance the country’s ports and shipping sector. The MOT of the Republic of Singapore has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) to decarbonise and digitise the ports under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). Under the collaboration, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will work together with six ports in Japan, namely, the Port of Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe and Nagoya. Further, they will undertake pilot projects and conduct trials for alternative marine fuels like ammonia and hydrogen. They will jointly develop the bunkering infrastructure, standards and training. Similarly, Australia and Singapore entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2024 to formally collaborate on establishing the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). As per the agreement, both countries will work with industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to develop zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuel supply chains for the maritime industry. The agreement also includes the building of necessary infrastructure, formalising standards, and developing and implementing training requirements for the production, storage and supply of green marine fuels. The establishment of a digital shipping corridor will enable them to explore the exchange of digital information that will result in efficient port clearance and port calls as well as a significant increase in the flow of vessels between the two countries. The MPA also launched the world’s first digital bunkering initiative, known as electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN). Since January 2023, over 100 trial runs have been conducted, involving more than 20 companies in Singapore that are involved in the bunkering ecosystem. Furthermore, users’ feedback will continue to be taken to improve these solutions. As per reports, the shift to using e-BDNs can result in saving about 40,000 man-days per year for the bunker industry. Plans are in place to make digital bunkering a mandatory requirement by the end of 2024.
Indonesia
Ports in Indonesia are using digital platforms to track and monitor processes. For instance, the MOT of Indonesia has digitised ship and goods services using the Inaportnet platform at 45 ports across Indonesia. Inaportnet provides all port-related information for easy access by related parties and stakeholders. Additionally, the platform allows for the monitoring of non-tax state revenue (PNBP) that can be used to accurately access real-time revenue data. Besides, Kale Logistics Solutions has implemented its CODEX Port Community System (PCS) with the new customer Port of Rembang to fast-track, streamline and automate stakeholder interactions at the port. The system provides users with several features, including shipment bookings, delivery orders, manifests, vessel registration, pilotage and berth allocation, and track appointments. The online appointment of slot booking for transporters through the CODEX portal and its associated mobile application enables truckers and port authorities to synchronise cargo movement in and out of the port, reducing dwell time and congestion at the port gates.
Philippines
Technologies to optimise and improve operational performance at maritime terminals have also been adopted in the Philippines. At the Asian Terminal Incorporated (ATI) Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) in the Philippines, DP World implemented its CARGOES TOS+ terminal operating system. The terminal has a capacity for over 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. The CARGOES TOS+ system is integrated with the ATI Batangas WebTrack community portal and its billing system, enabling more efficient management of digital transactions by vendors. Besides, the company has also developed the AI-powered CARGOES AVA+ automated gate system (AGS) for BCT that delivers integrated solutions for gate process automation, encompassing cameras, kiosks and the gate operating system. The system uses intelligent cameras to capture information such as the container number, truck licence plate, container door orientation and seal condition as trucks pass through the portals. These are processed through a video analytics server that uses deep learning to increase recognition and accuracy over time.
The way ahead
Moving forward, the adoption of digital technologies will remain a key priority for almost all ports across the SEA region. Further, AI and blockchain will ease transaction and real-time-based tracking. By adopting digital and tech-enabled measures, ports can ensure improved operational performance. It is expected that tech-enabled ports will improve competitiveness and increase the potential for them to be expanded in the long run.
