English
Shortly before the Summer Solstice, representatives of the major ports of the Baltic Sea took part in the international conference “Ports 4.0” held at the Freeport of Riga Authority. Their aim was to discuss the digitalization of ports, challenges and opportunities arising from the introduction of technologies and innovations in the daily life of ports, as well as to share their experience in the implementation of IT projects.
“Digitalization of ports, comprehensive, fast and efficient data exchange, full automation of processes - these are no longer just records in port strategic plans or media statements. Today these aspects are crucial for the competitiveness and even survival of the port. All key issues in ports - safety, sustainability and preservation of the environment, rapid development of alternative energy sources, cannot be addressed without the introduction of digitization and automation technologies," said Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO, welcoming the conference participants.
At this year's conference, the main topics of participants’ discussions were enhancing efficiency of port operations, improving data management and security by introduction of digital solutions, assessing the role of the digital twin ports in making important decisions as well as the challenges of designing and implementing maritime and land traffic management systems.
Considering that active testing and implementation of smart solutions is currently underway throughout the region, some of the “Port 4.0” discussions were focused on the experience of implementing IT projects in specific ports and countries and the lessons learned in the implementation of these projects.
“The road to successful digital projects primarily means clear definition of who needs a smart solution and why, what goal is to be achieved and what benefits it will bring to the actors involved,” said Dr Leonard Heilig, a researcher at the University of Hamburg responsible for digitalization projects in the port of Hamburg. A similar view was expressed by Olli Soininen, Programme Manager for Finntrafic, Finland's national traffic management organization, who shared Finland's experience in implementing a national maritime transport management system.
The Baltic Ports Organization (BPO), of which the Freeport of Riga Authority is a member, unites 49 participants - the most important ports and stakeholders of the Baltic Sea region. The aim of the BPO is to contribute to economic, social and environmentally sustainable development of maritime transport and the port industry in the Baltic Sea region, thereby strengthening its global competitiveness.
It was the third technology conference of the Baltic Ports Organization and this time it has been organized in cooperation with the Freeport of Riga Authority.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
