Growing competition has shifted the focus of port operators towards improving efficiency and productivity through modernisation and mechanisation of their facilities with the incorporation of the latest technologies. The sector has witnessed increasing penetration of technology in recent years as well as support and encouragement from the Ministry of Shipping that has been a huge relief for stakeholders.
Relevant initiatives
The Indian Ports Association (IPA) has transitioned from a cloud-based port community system (PCS) to an upgraded version, PCS1x. With this initiative, the IPA aims to improve India’s position on the ease of doing business index. PCS1x is a cloud-based new-generation system that will bring together different stakeholders such as shipping lines, agents, banks, container freight stations, customs house, customs house agents, importers, exporters, regulatory agencies, the railways and surveyors on a single platform. It will facilitate government-to-business, business-to-government and business-to-business transactions while ensuring maximum cybersecurity. PCS1x offers various features for its users including a user-friendly mobile application, event-based notifications, an interactive dashboard, capability of integration with international PCS as well as a 24×7 help desk for location support. The PCS upgradation at the Kolkata Port Trust has already resulted in increased operational efficiency at the port. Quicker clearances have brought about a reduction in turnaround time and pre-berthing detention for ships.
In September 2019, the country had also reportedly started a project to digitally map the country and its coastline using drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. The generated data will be used to improve decision-making and planning for infrastructure projects in the country.
In 2019, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust inaugurated its new container terminal data centre for seamless integration of technology into port operations. The data centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure as it houses a new server room with smart racks with an in-row cooling system. The port has also recently added a new tugboat, Ocean Victor, to its fleet. The tugboat has an azimuth stern drive configuration based on Robert Allan Limited’s design and is equipped with the latest technology and equipment. It will help in the handling of vessels of various sizes, thereby ensuring increased safety during the handling of large vessels.
Private port developers have also been keeping pace with the recent trend of deploying the latest technologies. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL), one of the largest commercial port operators in the country, has developed a new model of remote delivery for implementing its latest terminal operating system (TOS). The TOS manages the planning and control of a terminal’s operations. The use of this digital platform is a major step towards making the ports smarter. The first remote TOS has been successfully deployed at Mundra port. APSEZL has implemented various technology initiatives at its ports and logistics parks. Key among these are fleet and fuel management systems, a next-age Smart(e)PIC PCS that connects all internal as well as external stakeholders, analytics solutions for data-driven decision-making, and the use of internet of things (IoT) for cargo tracking solutions.
In addition, APSEZL has also launched an integrated platform to allow shippers, transporters and other representatives on behalf of end-customers to update export cargo information/ pre-shipment information related to container movement at Adani Container Terminals, Mundra. This initiative aims at reducing manual processes of container gate-in by road as well as reduce human interaction, which is especially crucial during the ongoing pandemic. These digital platforms, with high-end technologies, are expected to smoothen operations and bring down costs for the private port operator.
Besides, private logistics firms such as the JM Baxi Group have come forward to provide a digital push to the maritime sector. Under an agreement with IBM Watson, JM Baxi aims to set up a technology and innovation council to assess the feasibility of deployment of technologies such as blockchain, enterprise data architecture and AI.
Finnish technology company Wärtsilä has also come up with an upgradation plan for its vessel traffic management system (VTMS) at Cochin port. The order for the system was placed by the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) in February 2020. The upgraded VTMS will enable seamless coverage of the port’s radar and automatic identification system for traffic monitoring and control. In addition, the Navi-Harbour vessel tracking and tracing software also provides an interactive and user-friendly interface for the system operator. Meanwhile, Wärtsilä and the CPT have signed a five-year comprehensive annual maintenance contract (CAMC) for the upgraded system and a six-year CAMC for the existing equipment.
Bright outlook
The use of information technology, AI, IoT and blockchain technologies has been gaining the attention of major stakeholders in the sector. However, their deployment in various port operations still remains limited. The lack of uniformity in technology adoption across Indian ports has slowed the process of integration in the entire maritime chain, thus leading to slower clearance of cargo. However, there are ample opportunities for technology providers and equipment suppliers in the upcoming projects at the major and non-major ports.