8 minute read
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY New technology terms and how they are improving efficiencies for ports
With so many new catchphrases in the marine industry today, we thought it helpful to turn to Mr. Evgeny Vdovin, Chief Executive Officer at PortLink, to provide clarity and insight into what these terms — as well as eNavigation initiatives — mean and how they are assisting ports of all sizes in creating greater efficiencies.
PP: First, I would like to take this chance to thank you for being the “Fleet Admiral” sponsor of our 107th Annual APP Conference in San Diego last year.
PortLink: It was our pleasure. We share the APP’s vision of promoting increased efficiency and effectiveness of the ports across the Pacific and it was a great event for discussing existing challenges and potential solutions. We look forward to the next event.
PP: Can you start by introducing yourself?
PortLink: Certainly, my name is Evgeny Vdovin, CEO at PortLink. I have been involved in the marine industry for over 20 years focused primarily on technology and business consulting for marine logistics, transportation, and port operations. Prior to PortLink, I worked as a senior technology and business consultant at the largest Port in Canada, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Within PortLink I have been fortunate to travel the world working with ports of all sizes and operations, maritime agencies and various eNavigation committees.
PP: Can you briefly introduce PortLink to our readers?
PortLink: Sure, PortLink, based in Vancouver, Canada, designs, develops and delivers innovative digital solutions for the maritime industry. Our primary solutions include our Port Management Information System, Port Community System, Pilot Dispatch Solution, along with our Vessel Traffic Management Information System. In addition, we provide custom development solutions for projects of all sizes and scopes. This is really an enjoyable part of what we do here at PortLink as it is interesting to take our customers’ visions and turn them into an operational solution.
Our mission at PortLink is to provide state-of-the-art software solutions that enable our clients to improve business efficiency, optimize operations, improve safety, and enhance environmental protection. How we conduct our business is just as important as what we do. At all times, we strive to distinguish PortLink as a trusted partner that is differentiated by our enthusiastic team and innovative solutions for all aspects of the marine industry.
PP: So, “Smart” Ports, Digitization, Just-in-Time, Port Call Optimization, Decarbonization …What does it all mean and how do you believe it is, or will, affect our industry?
PortLink: Great question! The interesting thing is, although each trend/ initiative has its own meaning, they are all connected. Let’s look at each of them and then I’ll come back to how they are connected.
“Smart” Ports, have been defined as ports that leverage innovation and automation technology to digitize
operations and enhance their overall efficiency. Each port will have their own version of “Smart” and the digitization process will be different based on the port’s unique driving factors. These driving factors may include competition from surrounding ports, pressure from stakeholders, the desire to become more competitive or even the ambition of expanding their business without adding new infrastructure.
“Digitization” is the process of changing from analog (or paper-based forms) to digital form. Let’s use the example of an agent submitting a prearrival form. A traditional way of doing this could be the agent filling in a pre-arrival form and then emailing or faxing it to the port. In some cases, we have even seen submission of requests through WhatsApp. The port then needs to review and retype the information into their scheduling system. When changes occur, there are multiple email exchanges which can lead to delays, loss of approval trials and audits. With digitization, the same pre-arrival information can be presented through an easy access web-portal allowing the agent to simply fill in the necessary fields and then electronically submit the request. The port then receives the information in digital format, mitigating the need to spend time re-entering the information.
Once we digitize operations, we can then leverage digitalization which is the next step and involves automating processes to enhance efficiency. Again, let’s look at the ship agent submitting a pre-arrival form. The first step was to digitize a paper-based process. Now, we can automate processes such as checking that all necessary documents are attached, safety and security procedures and checklists are completed, marine services planned, and all necessary service providers are available. With these processes in place, we are increasing our overall efficiency and moving towards becoming a Smart Port as we defined previously.
“Just-in-Time” is a concept in which a ship maintains the optimal operating speed to arrive at the Pilot Boarding Place only when the availability is ensured. JIT is an exciting topic as we really start to understand the advantages of reduced fuel consumption and positive environmental impact it can have.
There was a study conducted by DNV GL back in 2018 which found that ships spend roughly 37-54 percent of their time, and 15 percent of their fuel, in berth or at anchor. JIT seeks to not only assist in reducing fuel consumption but the predictability that comes with it will allow ports to optimize their resources.
At PortLink, we are incredibly lucky to be actively working with strategic port partners and our partner Wärtsilä to implement a working Port Call model. This is not a paper-exercise or a concept but an actual working model which is achieved through collaborating with the port authority, terminals, ship operators and connected vessels. It has been exciting to implement an operational JIT solution and witness the positive impact it is having for our customers.
“Port Call Optimization” is one of the benefits that can be achieved by digitizing operations. If we have realtime information about the inbound vessel and the port’s ability to receive a vessel including availability of the berth, tugs, pilots, services providers, and other information, we can minimize or eliminate anchorage times, reduce CO2 emissions, and help to effectively deliver cargo to its destination on time. PortLink’s Port Call Optimization tool, “Exchange Platform”, has been used to facilitate the real-time exchange of information between the port, stakeholders, and all service providers. This innovative tool provides the platform to coordinate all port call activities and makes the overall process more predictable and efficient.
“Decarbonization” is really a global focus across all industries, not just the marine industry. Across the board we are seeing strides made to close the gap towards net-zero emissions. It is no secret that our industry is growing and with this continued development comes increased carbon emissions. The IMO has set some ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions from shipping by 40 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050. To meet this initiative, we believe that ports will need to leverage digitization and digitalization to facilitate the optimization of port calls.
PP: That is a great overview and I am sure we can spend a lot of time on each point, however, can you tell me if you believe these trends and initiatives are feasible for ports of all sizes?
PortLink: 100 percent, YES! I can tell you from my personal experience that ports of all sizes and operations can take part in, and benefit from, these initiatives. We have worked with some of the world’s largest ports and many smaller ports as well. Our experience has shown that regardless of the size of a port, the type of operations, the number of port calls, etcetera, there are always areas of operations that can become more efficient.
How? let’s start by going back to the term “Smart Port”, and it being defined as a port that leverages innovation and automation technology to digitize operations and enhance overall efficiency. There are several great technologies and IoT devices available today that ports can leverage towards achieving their “Smart Port” or “Digitization” goals. Our team here at PortLink has assisted ports of all sizes by implementing our innovative Port Management Information System (PMIS) which is a software solution that digitizes and automates a range of port operations. This type of solution is one example of how ports can move towards a digital port and is often recommended to be a first step.
PP: Do you believe that a PMIS should be the first thing ports should look at if they want to meet these initiatives and trends?
PortLink: I believe the first thing ports should do is conduct a review of their operations and produce a list of areas that could be improved though the implementation of smart port technologies and/or systems. We talked about the pre-arrival form above; if a port is reliant on an excel or paper-based processes and communicates through email, fax, or phone calls, this is an area they may want to focus on first. Another example could be if a port is manually collecting information to generate reports and KPIs, this is something that can be automated.
I have been asked on a couple of occasions, “why do you believe we should start with a Port Management Information System instead of looking for IoT devices or other smart technologies”. For me, I see the PMIS as the foundation of digitization as it provides the intelligence platform for connecting technologies, digitizing operations, and automating workflows. With a PMIS, information can be captured and shared electronically and if the PMIS is modern with a high degree of interoperability, it can be used to meet the next initiative/trend of port call optimization and can even be used to achieve Just-inTime operations.
PP: That makes sense, well, we are almost out of time but are there any other comments you would like to make?
PortLink: I would like to thank you, the team at the APP and your readers for your time. This is such an interesting topic to me so if any APP members are interested in discussing this in further detail, please do not hesitate to reach out us at info@portlink.co. Thank you again!
