How important is it today to talk about port logistics digitization?
In a country’s logistics system, ports have always played a strategic role in development and competitiveness.
However, despite its geographic location and large number of ports of call, today Italy still has to overcome critical issues if it wants to remain competitive at the European level. To do so, it can take advantage of the “Digitization of the logistics chain” investment (provided for in the PNRR).
In this article, we will take a closer look at what are the challenges of port logistics and what are, for our country, the opportunities to overcome them.
Port logistics in Italy: an overview
Since 1990, globally we have witnessed a gradual increase in the transport volume of maritime trade. In 2021, there were 11 billion tons loaded.
Another interesting fact is the trade routes that have shown more containerized cargo flows in recent years:
- Pacific trade route (28.2 TEUs);
- Asia-Europe-Asia route (24.2 TEUs);
- transatlantic route (8.5 TEU).
As the central point of trans-Mediterranean maritime networks, Italy has great potential to become one of the most important centers. It is no coincidence that, in terms of containers loaded and unloaded at the European level, it is in 5th position, after Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium (2021 figures).
However, there are still many challenges to be faced, aided by new continental routes and strong international competition in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Here are some of the most important challenges:
- Interconnection problems must be solved;
- Overcome inefficiencies in port ports of call;
- Overcome deficiencies related to infrastructure facilities;
- Improve intermodal capacity in the interports and port areas.
Digitalizing port logistics: the role of the PNRR
A great opportunity comes from the PNRR and the funding made available. The goals are multiple:
- provide clean energy and green ships;
- improve the accessibility of ports;
- achieve dock electrification.
Mission No. 3, “Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility”, counts on about 23.8 billion euros. The underlying intention behind this type of forecast is to bring to life, by 2026, a sustainable, digitized and modern infrastructure system, in line with the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NIPEC), the sustainable development goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal.
The main focus of the port logistics digitization project is interoperability, which is needed to bridge a gap within the various port and interport authorities. It is precisely the presence of this gap that has contributed to the development of independent systems over the years.
You might also be interested in the article Logistics 4.0: digital transformation between challenges and opportunities.
Toward a new port logistics
In order to meet the needs of ever-increasing maritime traffic, ports around the world are becoming increasingly sustainable, digital and connected.
But what are the elements that transform a simple port into a smart port? The indispensable elements are:
- 5G and IoT connection: networking trucks, containers, cranes and ships;
- Big Data and Artificial Intelligence: they enable models that can identify better ways and times to move and stow goods.
In addition, we must not forget the role that sustainability plays today. Today’s smart ports are increasingly sustainable, for example through the use of renewable energy sources, which help reduce the environmental impact of port activities.
The advent of smart technologies is slowly transforming ports into centers of logistics excellence, capable of handling large volumes of cargo efficiently and safely. So many innovations that are redefining the concept of port logistics.
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