The Smart Ports: The “Piers of the Future 2023” panel hosted some global port executives who discussed digitalization, sustainability, and collaboration. Hamburg has embraced a wide innovation strategy while Antwerp continues being a successful innovation district, LA’s clean air action plan among others. The port will serve as an innovative space, a centre for green energy sources and Blue Economy practices. There are challenges of emission reduction and upgrading of the infrastructure. Closing emphasised holistic investments towards promoting the growth of ports, as well as the wellness of the communities.
Connecting Ports and Cities for Sustainability
Jens Meier, Chief Executive Officer, of Port of Hamburg, emphasized the port’s shift towards a broader innovation strategy that extends beyond the container business, embracing digitalisation and working in tandem with the city. The port’s approach includes the development of a master plan with a strategic vision and operational implementation as key components, covering aspects like digitisation, automation, climate action, and infrastructure development with IT systems.
Erwin Verstraelen, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, highlighted the synergy between the city and the port, emphasizing the need to influence each other’s work positively. Antwerp is evolving into an innovation district, with a dedication to a circular economy and establishing complementary innovation hubs. Its Beacon ecosystem is likely to drive forward the concept of digitalisation as it focuses on research around the Internet of Things (IoT).
Michael DiBernardo, Deputy Executive Director of Marketing and Customer Relations, at Port of Los Angeles, discussed their collaboration with the state of California to create a master plan for decarbonisation. Being a crucial gateway for nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s goods, they focus on diversification and sustainability, aiming to create jobs while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.
John Roberson, Chief Operating Officer, City of Chicago, discussed the intersection of innovation and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of reimagining critical assets to ensure they remain economic drivers and assets that drive job creation while contributing to environmental justice. The Port of Chicago, situated in a historically neglected area at the heart of the steel industry, aims to improve infrastructure around the port to demonstrate its potential for resiliency and sustainability, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Energy Transition and Sustainability Highlights
In the realm of energy transition, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges champions digital transformation, prioritizing transparency and ecological impact reduction. Meanwhile, Chicago’s Smart Grid project focuses on efficient infrastructure, directing investments toward sustainability. Los Angeles adopts a Clean Air Plan, targeting ship emissions and committing to zero-emission yard equipment and trucks by 2035. Hamburg, a pioneer in innovation, positions ports as crucial energy hubs through hydrogen utilization.
Key Theme
This collective effort signifies a transformative shift, portraying ports not merely as trade centres but as dynamic contributors to sustainable energy solutions.
Blue Frontier: Navigation and Challenges
Key strategies towards sustainable port development were highlighted on the panel. Jens Meier focused on innovation and emissions reduction, while Erwin Verstraelen informed about the blue economy in Antwerp. Michael DiBernardo covered Microsoft’s water-centric data centre and Chicago’s technology solution to reduce traffic. In the words of John Roberson, the challenges ahead are to deal with last-mile emissions, permit problems, and balancing traditions with innovations in ports. That is why he ended with a call for broad-based investment that also benefits the local communities.
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Source: PORT TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
