The largest Mediterranean and African container port, Tanger Med, plans to implement smart technology to optimise operations and reduce emissions
Tanger Med, in Morocco, has teamed up with Wärtsilä to adopt port digitalisation and codevelop a port management information system (PMIS).
It will deploy smart port tools for terminal operations and digitalisation, including implementing just-in-time (JIT) solutions, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Through this agreement, Tanger Med and Wärtsilä will develop a smart marine ecosystem to improve operational efficiency, port safety, and environmental sustainability in shipping.
At the heart of this is the PMIS, which will facilitate better data exchange with container liners and alliances calling at the Tanger Med port complex, optimising vessel calls and preparing port facilities for the arrival of the world’s largest container ships.
The joint initiative includes the delivery and installation of a Wärtsilä Navi-Harbour vessel traffic system comprising PortLink PMIS, advanced coastal surveillance radar and VHF radio, an automatic identification system, operator workstation, network systems, ancillary equipment and a five-year service and support contract.
Wärtsilä Navi-Port will allow the Moroccan container terminal complex to implement JIT arrival, which reduces the need for vessels to wait at anchorage, minimising congestion, emissions and the risk of collisions.
The new PMIS digitalises the entire port-call process, including tugboat and pilot dispatch, reducing the chance of human error and increasing efficiencies.
“Tanger Med is taking another step by teaming up with Wärtsilä to develop its new PMIS,” confirmed Tanger Med IT director Ridouan Boulaich.
“This partnership aims to support the port’s current efforts to become a leading smart port equipped with the latest technologies to improve operational efficiency, and further enhance organisation of ships’ calls and nautical services, which will be essential as port traffic increases,” he said.
Wärtsilä Voyage global business development director Bruce Mills said this was a ground-breaking project from a technology perspective. “Tanger Med Port has planned for a full and comprehensive smart port upgrade that includes not only an extensive range of our existing ship traffic control products, but also new solutions that will enter the market later in 2021, such as Wärtsilä Navi-Port and AIM (advanced intelligent manoeuvring),” said Mr Mills.
“PortLink is an integral player in this project,” he continued. “Their PMIS is a modular application designed to facilitate the planning and management of port operations. It allows users and stakeholders in the port community to exchange information in a timely manner, eliminating redundant data entry and automating workflows.”
Tanger Med is committed to the International Taskforce PCO (Port Call Optimisation), which is bringing together several international ports including Port of Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg and Los Angeles to harmonise and optimise procedures for the management of maritime calls.
Currently, Tanger Med is engaged in port digitalisation through different initiatives and projects. Its port community system already enables port call optimisation, vessel traffic services, slot reservation and call priorities management, pilot dispatch solutions and traceability.
“We are on course to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the port and surrounding areas, which are critical priorities,” said Tanger Med harbour-master Khalid Samir.
Wärtsilä Voyage will handle all the services linked to this latest PMIS project, including design, delivery, testing, operations and technical training. The installation is expected to be completed within 12 months, after which the organisations will continue to collaborate for further smart port development.
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