Current crisis may boost the digitalization of the shipping industry

Photo: Port of Gothenburg

According to a press release by the Port of Gothenburg, the Swedish seaport observes clear indications of how the COVID-19 pandemic could accelerate the digitalization process of an otherwise conservative sector.

As a result of the Corona outbreak, the majority of ports throughout the world have been forced to re-examine their routines. Greater use of digital tools has been part of the solution in an effort to maintain an efficient workflow. At the same time, it takes slightly longer at the quayside when the new routines are being introduced. Even though a great deal of the work takes place remotely during the approach, once the vessel is at the quayside a whole range of physical interactions are normally required between the crew and the dockworkers. This could involve everything from inspecting the quality of the cargo to going through permits, safety checklists, and notices of readiness before loading or discharging.

Dan-Erik Andersson, COO, Energy Port Gothenburg, gives some insight, "Loading and discharge are traditionally based on human contact. It's quick and the entire system has been refined over the years. Changing the whole structure so quickly may result in a loss of time and momentum. However, by introducing new routines and new systems, and ensuring more tasks are carried out simultaneously rather than consecutively, we can probably become more efficient in the long run."

Gothenburg has been active in the fields of automation and digitalisation prior to the outbreak of the pandemic and according to the press release, the already introduced initiatives are proving themselves useful during the crisis. The digital system Permesso, introduced in 2019, resulted in a significant reduction in administration and face-to-face contact when issuing work permits to contractors. The automatic gates for trucks introduced by APM Terminals at the Container Terminal are another example of a more efficient operating procedure, reducing the need for physical interaction.

Malin Collin, Deputy CEO, Gothenburg Port Authority, stated, that extensive digital changes at the port will be introduced within the near future and could make a substantial difference. Collin noted, that it is mainly a question of improving efficiency and visualising freight flows and traffic movements to and from the port. Gothenburg is currently examining how artificial intelligence (AI) profits from historical data when predicting events. Planning can be improved through data-drive decisions, based on identifying trends and event prediction.

Still, the desired outcome can only be achieved given a rise in willingness to link into common systems and share information between parties making up the supply chain.