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Technological development in seaports

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The growth of seaports is imminent, every day ports face new challenges that invite them to reinforce their infrastructures and look for new mechanisms and innovate old systems. 

With the consolidation of maritime trade, new transport routes have been opened, an increased number of containers, and new ports that require the optimization of processes amid an ecosystem full of competencies that seeks to minimize human error and sustainability over time.

With this, it is expected that in the medium term, seaports will have to implement certain automation to maintain their sustainability, effectiveness, and efficiency over time. 

Likewise, several of the components of the port sector are already working to implement the automation of maritime containers, autonomous ships, intelligent port warehouses, and more. These are just some of the technological innovations that are expected in the coming years.

Now, all the challenges are positive, and the demand for automation in the processes will help to generate greater safety and efficiency within each of the processes. This involves not only an investment in structure but also in intelligent resources, training and cybersecurity software to safeguard data. 

Less paper and more digitalization 

The changes at the port level will be progressive and adapted to the needs of each seaport. However, the administrative part also deserves digitization to boost the development of a port and thus ensure the optimization of each of the maritime operations. 

That is why, GP Nauticals has developed NAUTIC AIMS, designed to unify maritime and land operations, in a software that manages port revenues, through technologies that allow to collect and analyze information that will also help to measure the performance of ports. 

This SUITE product can also be integrated with PAY AIMS, the software that allows you to manage the payment and collection of invoices through innovative systems that adapt to the needs of each organization. 

 

If you want to keep reading about the latest developments in automation in the port and aeronautical sector, keep browsing our blog. 

 

NAUTIC AIMS port management software

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For some years now, the maritime sector has been growing by leaps and bounds. Maritime transport has become the international transport channel, with great affluence on the main commercial routes. 

From the container crisis to shipping delays worldwide, these are some of the determining factors that major ports have taken to expand and improve their infrastructure, physical and administrative. 

Now, what is behind the management of a port? Undoubtedly, it goes beyond transporting shipments. Efficient development relies on good logistics and compliance with permits and safety regulations. 

In addition, management is not only about the sea lanes. Also about non-maritime operations to ensure an effective supply chain and to be able to meet the stipulated delivery times. 

This has undoubtedly become a major challenge for the port sector. Technological tools and specialized software have been developed to address these needs. 

The reality is that traditional paper is now a thing of the past. From now on, worldwide management and administration are carried out automatically. 

Thanks to this, GP Nauticals was born, a technological organization dedicated to the development of specialized software for the aeronautical and port sector. 

The purpose is to manage in an automated way the port revenues and to attend to the maritime and land operations. 

NAUTIC AIMS, part of SUITE AIMS

Its name speaks for itself, NAUTIC AIMS is software created to manage maritime and non-maritime operations. This, in turn, is part of the SUITE family of GP Nauticals. 

Its main function is to centralize the port administration, providing sophisticated software with which you can manage the main functionalities of a seaport. 

In this sense, collecting, managing, and processing data from cargo operations, maritime tourism, and shore operations, are part of the work of NAUTIC AIMS. Also, can be integrated with PAY AIMS, to manage billing and financial administration. 

Another advantage of NAUTIC AIMS software is that thanks to data collection, it is possible to perform an analysis of the port’s performance. 

 

If you want to know more about NAUTIC AIMS, just click here.

 

The maritime sector and digitalization

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Globally, we can already see how everything has returned to normal. There are airports and flights where the mask is no longer necessary. With this we can rescue the idea that the pandemic revolutionized the world, and technological field. 

That’s right, technology was transformed and administrative systems at all levels are now digitally managed. Many are adjusted to the needs of each organization, and although administrative software is not new, it is now more popular. 

Now, at GP Nauticals, we always talk about the advantages of automated processes at the aeronautical level, but our SUITE also adapts to maritime administration. That’s right, believe it or not, the maritime sector requires a great effort to modernize its processes. 

However, little by little, ports around the world are taking into account automated processes for logistics and administration, because human error is minimized, and delivery, waiting, and permitting times are optimized. In addition, integration is much simpler and there is less paperwork. 

Speaking of the above, the Port Services Administration-Bolivia is an example of a port that is committed to automating its processes with the Port of Arica. They now have a new management system module to consolidate line planning, full container loading and much more. 

What is the advantage of an automated process?

First of all, it allows unifying financial administration and maritime facilities. In this way, everyone involved in the processes can be aware of what is going on. 

It allows for better control of invoicing, permits, and more. Thanks to reports and analytics you can measure the port’s performance and the management performance. 

Minimizes human error, undoubtedly we have all had that vital document get lost or take a long time to print or simply have to be done again. With a digital process, the document reaches the right person at the right time. 

These are just some of the advantages of automating administrative processes and with GP Nauticals and our NAUTIC AIMS product, you will be able to manage and process data from maritime cargo, tourist, and shore operations. NAUTIC AIMS can be integrated with PAY AIMS to manage collections and invoicing. 

 

If you want to know more about NAUTIC AIMS, just click here.

Maritime logistics faces new challenges

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At a time of revaluation and resurgence of companies, the maritime sector in the process of expansion, could also suffer a new scenario. That, undoubtedly, becomes a short to medium-term challenge for ports and shipping lanes. 

According to a report by Sea-Intelligence, it is expected that once the distribution chains are normalized, a new wave of congestion will be generated due to the number of empty containers. 

During the pandemic, new containers had to be used due to delays in supply chains worldwide. 

Now that everything’s back to normal, maritime logistics will be faced with a large number of unused containers. 

The bulletin notes that there will be at least “the presence of 3.5 million TEUs of empty containers in the transpacific alone.” 

Another place that will affect the logistics line will be the United States and Europe. Therefore, both terminals and warehouses will have to consider new strategies to avoid a new wave of congestion. 

Strategic planning and logistics… 

Supply chains are expected to normalize between mid-2022 and 2023. So leasing, shipping, and seaport companies will need to take the necessary measures to avoid havoc. 

Likewise, GP Nauticals within its SUITE offers automated services for administrative processes, not only for the aeronautical sector but also for the maritime sector. 

Such is the case of PAY AIMS, a service that allows managing invoicing processes, supply chains, and more, which allows centralizing the work and handling it more efficiently and anywhere in the world. 

It also allows the port to collect payments from shipping companies and administrative processes, leaving aside manual and tedious work. PAY AIMS can be integrated with other SUITE services, such as NAUTIC AIMS, to provide more optimal work. 

 

Challenges of maritime transport in 2022

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For this year, the maritime sector is expected to face great challenges and, there are currently many determining issues on the table.

In the first place, the most talked-about issue refers to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Since the maritime industry is constantly researching and developing new fuels based on methanol, hydrogen, or ammonia and that can help the sector to meet its goal to reach zero emissions by 2050.

But, a very urgent issue is the digital transformation of the maritime sector and that must cover all areas: ships, shipping companies, terminals, ports, interfaces, and everything that can interfere with the transport chain.

On this particular point, we can assess some of the challenges the industry is currently facing and how it could minimize the crisis.

Today and as a result of 2 years of the pandemic, the supply chain is at risk and has revealed a very explicit motto “No shipping, no shopping” referring to the fact that if there are no ships transporting cargo, there is no trade and as consequently there will be no consumption.

 All this is a way to draw attention to the precarious life in the sea that is not consistent with the technological alternatives already used worldwide.

Interconnection, transparency in management, and new communications technologies can mark a before and after in the industry since the implementation of new cutting-edge tools facilitates the correct planning and execution in each step of the process and also offers advantages in terms of the economic recovery of the maritime sector.

To achieve these advances, software such as the AIMS Suite belonging to the GP Nauticals company can be implemented, which through different technologies can help not only in the automation of processes with its NAUTIC AIMS product, which allows all maritime services subject to taxable calculations. In addition to helping to manage contracts, concessions, commissions, providing the opportunity to involve billing, generation of reports and analysis of results, categorized as needed and always in real-time.

This type of software can be used by itself integrating with existing platforms or in conjunction with other AIMS Suite products that offer a more complete experience such as PAY AIMS which offers the opportunity to carry out a portfolio collection with a billing platform and gateway. reliable payment system with record history and 24/7 support.

The revolution in the maritime sector is just around the corner, all the factors involved cry out for more efficient processes, taking into account that trade is a key factor in all the economies of the world, we have committed ourselves to not being an industry that lags behind the rest.

If you want to know more about our products, click on:

Pay AIMS

Nautic AIMS

Puerto Felixstowe invests in machinery

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The initiative for the improvement of environmental conditions is an issue on which everyone is debating, and many organizations come together to implement the best strategies to combat pollution.

That’s why port of Felixstowe, which announced the investment of new equipment to decarbonize its operations.

The company Hutchison Ports and owners of the Port of Felixstowe have invested in: “48 battery terminal tractors and 17 electric gantry cranes with remote-controlled rubber tires (ReARTG) of zero-emissions”, according to the Container News website.

Projections with the new machinery are that 6,662 tons of CO2, and 59.38 tons of NOx can be saved annually. Says, Chris Lewis.

Additionally, Lewis also noted that “These latest acquisitions will help drive further substantial reductions in the future, and will help us achieve our goal of an additional 20% reduction over the next 5 years.”

A new infrastructure

Likewise, to carry out the machinery replacement project, Felixstowe needs an infrastructure that can support the new equipment. Therefore, “its high voltage (HV) electric power distribution network will be updated and new electrical infrastructure to support the ReARTGs and 10 charging stations for the battery-powered terminal tractors ”.

They are working to counteract the consequences that the impact of CO2 can have on the environment in a few years.

Notably, Felixstowe is located in Glasgow and is the UK’s largest port and the eighth busiest port.

 

For more information, read the full note at Container News.

 

Thailand plans to open a national shipping company

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Thailand plans to open a national shipping company, to minimize dependence on foreign vessels. The announcement of this new plan was made by the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, adding that another objective is to encourage commercial exchange in Thailand.

Although it is still in the study phase, Saksayam Chidchob, Thailand’s Transport Minister, said that the Thai port authorities have already received instruction to assess the viability of a shipping line during the next month.

If feasible, the national shipping company would have three independent branches, the first for cargo movement in the Asian region, the second for cabotage, and the last for exchange with other regions worldwide.

Subsequently, once the feasibility tests have been carried out by the competent authorities, they may be presented to the cabinet during the first months of 2022.

If the procedure is positive, the creation of a national shipping company in Thailand would begin in the middle of the year.

As mentioned in previous lines, it is not only about the independence of foreign ships, but also about promoting maritime trade in Thailand.

In this way, strengthening logistics ties with the Thai Gulf and the Andaman Sea is part of the plans to expand and strengthen connections.

Read the full note at Portal Portuario.

 

 

 

Interferry 2021 arrives in Santander

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Interferry 2021 arrives in Santander, after being postponed due to the pandemic. This year, Interferry 2021 celebrates its 45th anniversary in Santander, the home port that serves Brittany Ferries and this year will host Interferry, to take the maritime industry into the future.

“It has never been more important for the entire ferry industry to come together to defend their collective interests, and we are delighted that the board of directors has chosen our candidacy to host the conference this year,” says Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu.

Under the slogan “the future is the ferries” the fair is held, which will last from tomorrow, October 2 to October 6, in Santander.

A place that will host at least 300 participants, to carry out the oldest fair in the maritime sector.

Among the points to be celebrated at Interferry 2021, the different visuals regarding topics of interest such as climate change, the crisis of the pandemic stand out.

In addition to the possible solutions for the reduction of GHG, new technologies in the ship and coast design, security systems, and supply logistics, among other challenges.

Brittany Ferries has served Santander since 1978 and has a route that covers: France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern Spain.

“It is an honor for Brittany Ferries that the InterFerry Conference is held in Santander. As organizers of the 45th Interferry Conference, and after more than 40 years operating in Santander, we are proud that the convention headquarters is in our home port, where senior representatives of the ferry sector will discuss new ideas, markets, strategies, and technologies,” says Roberto Castilla, director of Brittany Ferries in Spain.

Undoubtedly, the Interferry is one of the most anticipated fairs during the year and without a doubt, this meeting is expected to establish connections and initiatives to sustainably improve maritime transport technology.

See the full note at Actualidad marítima y portuaria.

The first autonomous ships are ready to set sail

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After many tests of autonomous navigation, the first ships without crew members are ready to set sail and begin to serve next October.

This type of autonomous vessel has been developed mainly for the transport of river, and coastal cargo and according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) it has been working continuously since 2017 to guarantee that this type of vessel has a safe operation. Through constant evaluation of the various electronic devices that make autonomy a reality, such as in the implementation of international regulations, autonomous ships are a reality that is not only limited to their innovation since ports must also be prepared to meet this type of boat.

At the moment, the pioneering countries in this matter are China, Norway, and Japan, focusing their development on autonomous maritime surface ships (MASS), considering that an autonomous ship is a ship that can navigate without depending on human interaction. However, there are 4 types of autonomy for these boats: The first refers to those that have a crew, but their navigation system has automated processes that help in decision-making. Second, are ships that have seafarers on board, but the vessel is remotely controlled. Third, are those ships that are remotely controlled and have no crew on board. While the last type of ship is those 100% autonomous, capable of making decisions and determining actions by itself.

Whatever the degree of autonomy of these vessels, they must all be equipped to a lesser or greater extent with various technological tools such as: the internet, GPS, big data, artificial intelligence, IOT, sensors, robotics, and different software and hardware that will not only allow the navigation but its constant development.

It should be noted that this type of innovation will have a direct impact on the workforce of seafarers since although the ships will not have a crew on board, this type of development will always generate new jobs, only that they will be different, they will imply less physical strength and greater technological skills, but we will see the direction it takes as these changes become irreversible.

 

Maersk to invest in a greener fleet

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Danish container shipping company Maersk will invest approximately $1.4 billion in a greener fleet. There will be eight new vessels, which will be powered by cleanly manufactured methanol rather than petroleum-based fuel, generating annual savings in carbon dioxide emissions of around 1 million tons.

The ships will be assembled by Hyundai Heavy Industries and will be available in mid-2024. They are designed with a dual-fuel engine configuration that will operate on methanol as well as conventional low-sulfur fuel and will have a capacity of approximately 16,000 containers.

“The time to act is now if we want to solve the climate challenge of shipping. This order demonstrates that carbon-neutral solutions are available today in all container ship segments. Furthermore, this is a strong signal for producers. Demand for the green fuels of the future is emerging rapidly” said Soren Skou, CEO of Maersk.

Ecological standards

Maritime transport represents 3% of carbon dioxide emissions of human origin, according to data from the International Maritime Organization. As a result, certain IMO regulations came into force to curb air pollution by limiting the sulfur content of marine fuel.

 

Read the full note on RT.