The Vigo Airport has just made history in Spanish air traffic management: it has launched the country’s first digital control tower. This innovation is more than just a technical upgrade — it represents a major leap in efficiency and airspace safety and sets a benchmark for other logistics sectors seeking digital transformation, including the maritime industry.

But what exactly does this innovation involve? How does a digital tower work? And why should smart ports of the future be paying attention?

Air Traffic Control Enters the Digital Era

What is a Digital Control Tower?

Unlike traditional control towers, digital towers use advanced systems of cameras, sensors, microphones, and real-time data processing to manage air traffic. Air traffic controllers no longer need to be physically located in the control tower. Instead, they can operate remotely from a specialized room equipped with high-definition panoramic and augmented-reality screens.

Vigo’s digital tower, managed by Saerco and powered by Skyway-Searidge technology, is a turning point for Spanish aviation. This implementation improves operational efficiency and optimizes the use of both space and human resources, all under the supervision and validation of Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

Phased Innovation and Real-Traffic Validation

One of the standout features of the Vigo project is its gradual rollout, beginning with low-density time slots to test and validate the system using real air traffic, always supported by a traditional tower controller as a safety measure. This hybrid approach is essential to ensure a smooth and secure transition.

Interestingly, this same strategy could be applied to digitally transform port operations, allowing for pilot programs without compromising safety or efficiency in maritime traffic management.

What Does This Mean for the Maritime and Port Industries?

The aviation sector’s adoption of digital towers naturally raises the question:

Why not bring this technology to the maritime world?

In many ports, vessel traffic control still relies heavily on physical infrastructure and traditional methods. However, with the rise of global trade, increasing terminal automation, and the push for faster operations, digital port control towers are emerging as a logical next step.

These towers could:

• Monitor real-time vessel arrivals and departures using smart cameras and environmental sensors

• Coordinate docking and loading/unloading operations with greater precision

• Integrate with weather forecasting and land transport systems

• Reduce dependency on physical infrastructure and enable remote or centralized operations

The Future of Smart Ports

Spain’s first digital control tower is not just a milestone for aviation — it’s a clear signal of what’s ahead for the logistics sector. The path toward smarter, more connected, and more efficient infrastructure is underway. The next step is accelerating that transformation within our ports.

At GP Nauticals, we believe that remote control technology, AI, and automation are not the future — they are already shaping the present. The solutions we’re developing for the maritime and aviation sectors can seamlessly integrate with monitoring systems like those operating in Vigo.

From remote port control platforms to real-time monitoring, automated vessel docking and departure, our tools are designed to meet both upcoming regulatory demands and the high-speed expectations of today’s global market.

And if there’s one company ready to lead that transformation, it’s GP Nauticals.

Let’s build the future of ports together.

We help you implement smart solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in maritime operations.

Contact us today and discover how to transform your infrastructure into a truly smart port.

Image from El Economista