New technology rejigs Gulf maritime sector

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The UAE has 10 major ports followed by Saudi Arabia (9), Qatar, Oman and Bahrain (5 each) and Kuwait (3). AFP
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  • The GCC countries have been making investments in integrating supply value chains with digital platforms and upgrading their technologies to keep pace with the latest developments
  • Real time data coupled with effective supply chain technology came in handy for the industry after the aviation sector was grounded following the spread of COVID-19 globally

With some 37 seaports and two terminals dotting the coastline of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  and thousands of ships passing by them every year,  technology has a major role to play in the smooth functioning of the region’s maritime sector.

The UAE has 10 major ports followed by Saudi Arabia (9), Qatar, Oman and Bahrain (5 each) and Kuwait (3). Qatar has developed two terminals.

The industry has been facing major challenges including growing freight traffic, operational issues besides the COVID-19 crisis in the last few years. 

The GCC countries have been making adequate investments in integrating supply value chains with digital platforms and upgrading their technologies to keep pace with the latest developments.

Real time data coupled with effective supply chain technology came in handy for the industry after the aviation sector was grounded following the spread of COVID-19 globally.

UAE ports’ digitisation

The pandemic has prodded the region’s seaports to scale up and go for new technologies to overcome operational problems.

Abu Dhabi Terminals has joined hands with Microsoft to modernise its flagship maritime asset, Khalifa Port. 

The partnership will enable enhanced container tracking and autonomous shuttle capabilities across Khalifa Port terminal through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) services of Azure, Microsoft’s Cloud.

The new technology will fuel the introduction of AI-based container smart tracking solutions that will ensure 100 percent traceability of all handled containers, as well as the potential to launch an autonomous vehicle system.

“By driving innovation through the implementation of AI and automation, Abu Dhabi Terminals is committed to modernising our port environment, while also reducing our carbon footprint, and costs, as well as turnaround times for those accessing Khalifa Port,” Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO of Abu Dhabi Terminals, said.

In 2020, DP World acquired SeaRates.com, a digital platform that enables customers to transport cargo worldwide at the click of a mouse. 

It has created the Digital Freight Alliance, an online association that brings global freight forwarders on a single platform, providing them with access to new tools, routes and services, and enabling them to do more business anytime.

Oman’s ports

The pandemic has accelerated the digitisation of Oman’s ports where the government has tasked Asyad, its integrated logistics provider, with enabling digital transformation in the ports.

Oman’s modern container-handling facility “Hutchison Port Sohar” introduced the Ubi app, an online tracking system for vessel updates and gate schedules, tracks container shipments, and allows parties to exchange documents, payments, and data. 

The next step for Oman is to connect all its ports through a National Port Community System – one common platform that will allow transporters, importers and exporters, port authorities and border agencies in all ports to exchange data, dramatically reducing administrative burden and making trade simpler, faster and more secure.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has a digital strategy for its maritime transport sector to enable the country to reach a capacity of more than 40 million containers annually, including all associated investments in developing port infrastructure.

Six technologies

According to a new report by KPMG entitled “Anchored in the new reality” which was released in March 2021, six different technologies have emerged as key enablers of more efficient operations. 

They include Internet of Things (IoT) for live tracking of cargo status; Blockchain for supply chain optimization; Drones for operational oversight and environmental safety; High Bay Storage systems for container handling; and data analytics for deriving data-driven insights for internal/external customers, the report said.

 

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