Shanghai and Hamburg Host Virtual chainPORT Annual Conference

At this year’s chainPORT annual conference, participants exchanged not only professional insights but also practical knowledge: This includes new solutions from the shipping industry to improve supply chain stability, sustainability approaches regarding the circular economy in ports, and new technologies that make daily port operations more efficient (e.g., OptiX, quantum computers, etc.). Chairpersons, CIOs, and chief strategists from 15 world ports utilized the online conference to continue the close collaboration of recent years.

(Hamburg) Huang Heng, Managing Director of Nezha Shipping – Port Technology, presented a groundbreaking project to the audience that utilizes optical network technology for centralized remote control in ports. This unique global initiative for the operation of next-generation smart ports is being carried out in collaboration with SIPG and Huawei. Although they are several kilometers away from the port center, employees control a variety of heavy port equipment from a single point at various locations. The benefits include higher efficiency in terminal operations, shorter commuting times for staff, better planning of personnel needs, and, last but not least, more attractive workplaces. The introduction of the technology goes hand in hand with changed job profiles and new qualifications that port personnel will need in the future.

In light of this groundbreaking project, Alex Yan, Chairman of the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), emphasized: “At SIPG, we are committed to developing a smart, green, efficient, and technologically advanced port. We utilize lean management, scientific and technological innovations, and digitalization. The chainPORT annual conference is a great forum for us to meet and exchange views and the latest developments from the past year.”

Presentation of the ‘MOZART’ System

As part of new trends and technologies for efficient port operations, Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Fujitsu Ltd. presented their pioneering approach to quantum computing and its application across various industries. Dr. Joseph Reger (CTO, Fujitsu Ltd.) and Jens Meier (CEO, Hamburg Port Authority) reported firsthand on “MOZART” (Mobility Optimization and Analysis in Real Time), a joint project in traffic management. The MOZART system not only provides an overview of the entire port traffic network but also a comprehensive traffic light control system to stabilize traffic flow.

Jens Meier explained: “Quantum computing is not yet market-ready, but quantum-inspired technology already offers viable solutions for ports. In Hamburg, we have already proven that the technology is very valuable for our daily operations. It is exciting to see how the members of the chainPORT network are moving forward and developing intelligent solutions to manage ports efficiently and take a leading role in various areas.”

Focus: Circular Economy Projects

The discussions at this year’s chainPORT annual conference revolved around the role of ports as ideal locations to promote circular economy projects. According to keynote speaker Dr. Nick Vyas (USC Marshall School of Business), the proximity to large metropolitan areas makes ports important drivers with impacts on the strategy of many companies located in or connected to the port economy. In this context, the Chinese technology partner of Volkswagen, Gotion High-Tech, presented its projects on battery recycling and its path to emission-free solutions for ports and other industries.

Gene Seroka (Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles) stated: “The ecosystems of ports can play an important role in expanding the circular economy and helping society move away from the ‘take-make-waste’ product cycles of the global manufacturing industry. Our ports are at the forefront of a pandemic-driven buying frenzy of historic proportions. The circular economy is about reusing waste or scrap as much as possible, and ports are in an excellent position to drive change in this area.”

Intensifying Collaboration Among Ports

The discussions at the annual conference were rounded off by contributions from keynote speakers from Jungheinrich AG and Orient International (Holding) Co. Ltd., who presented their strategies for securing predictable and resilient supply chains. Intermodal ports, quality data, and transparency were other important topics addressed in the discussions.

The chainPORT member ports agreed to continue and intensify their trust-based collaboration and knowledge exchange in the future.

About chainPORT

chainPORT is a cross-border partnership of the world’s leading ports aimed at leveraging the latest technological developments and realizing the vision of a smart, connected, and digital port system. The members are committed to the exchange of knowledge and innovations as well as the promotion of strategic topics. chainPORT was initiated in April 2016 by the port authorities in Hamburg and Los Angeles (in collaboration with the Global Institute of Logistics). Currently, chainPORT is supported by the ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Busan, Felixstowe, Gothenburg, Indonesia, Montreal, Panama, Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Tanger-Med.

https://www.hamburg-port-authority.d/de/chainport

Photos: © HPA / chainPORT