Port adopts AI-powered systems to boost efficiency

The Port of Cork Company, Ireland’s second busiest port, has signed up Innovez One, a provider of port management services, to provide software that will improve efficiency and optimise services for ships arrive and departing from the port. Port calls and operations will now be digitised and optimised using Innovez One’s software, marineM.

The software will automate and improve the scheduling of port, tug, and pilotage services, the Irish port said in a statement. Using algorithms powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, marineM’s planning module will manage schedules and allocate resources. It will assign pilots and tugs, for example, in the most efficient way, reallocating resources when key factors change. This might be the estimated time of arrival of a particular ship, for example, or a rescheduled departure.

The initiative is expected to raise the efficiency of the port’s service boats, reducing overall distances, eliminating unnecessary journeys, and cutting both fuel bills and emissions. It will also help in berth scheduling and preventing unnecessary congestion.          

Agents will now be able to register their vessels, order supplies, arrange services, track logistics and the progress of each job from an online portal or a mobile phone. Automated billing will boost transparency and improve accuracy, helping to eliminate issues, delays and disputes, the port said.

Chief Commercial Officer, Conor Mowlds, said: “The Port of Cork plays a central role for our local communities and businesses, keeping Ireland connected as part of global supply chains. We have high ambitions to deliver smarter, greener, and more efficient operations which will benefit our environment as well as the local and national economy. Having a strong digital backbone is essential to this. By partnering with Innovez One, we are proud to take the next step of our digitalisation journey, fully harnessing the latest advances in artificial intelligence to create a more efficient and sustainable future.”

Speaking for Innovez One, Grant Ingram, CEO for UK and Europe, commented: “Digitalisation is an essential foundation that enables ports to tackle the most pressing challenges they face today, from persisting congestion to the need to reduce their emissions. Smart ports will also be the ones best placed to position themselves in the greener supply chains of tomorrow, and support decarbonisation in shipping and beyond. We are proud to work with the Port of Cork on this project, which will show how our state-of-the-art technology can deliver new heights in terms of efficiency and help deliver their ambitious vision for the future.”