Sunday, 18 August 2024
In today's global push towards sustainability, ports face a critical challenge of reducing their environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The case study of Wismar Seaport, prepared by Philipp R. et al. in their 2021 paper published in Environmental and Climate Technologies, exemplifies a transformative approach towards digitalization and green goals simultaneously, focusing specifically on the automation of dry bulk cargo handling operations. Wismar seaport, classified as a medium-sized regional port, embarked on a path to transform its operations into an innovative and green port model. Central to this transformation is the complete automation of its dry bulk cargo handling operations, powered by self-generated renewable energy sources—primarily solar and wind power. This initiative aims not only to streamline operations but also to reduce the port's carbon footprint significantly.
Wismar seaport achieved a 'digital readiness index for ports' score of 3.512, placing it at the 'Adopter port' stage in intelligent port development. In 2019, the port handled over 6 million tonnes of cargo, predominantly dry bulk goods, and served 4,445 passengers. The focus on automating the dry bulk cargo plant is aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational downtime by integrating four critical subsystems :
5G Campus Network Introducing a private 5G network at Wismar seaport marks a pioneering effort in port operations. This network is the backbone for transmitting large volumes of data necessary for fully automated ship-loading operations. By ensuring high-speed, low-latency communication, the 5G network facilitates real-time monitoring and control of the ship loader, enhancing operational efficiency.
Wind Power Station Implementing a custom-designed wind power station posed technical challenges due to market limitations in suitable systems. With a height restriction of 50 meters and a target annual output of 500,000 kWh, the station will sustainably provide a significant portion of the port's energy needs. This initiative underscores Wismar's commitment to reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and mitigating carbon emissions.
Photovoltaic Panels Complementing the wind power station, photovoltaic panels installed on warehouse roofs contribute additional renewable energy. These panels, each with a capacity of 300 kW peak, are strategically located to maximize solar exposure, ensuring a balanced energy mix that aligns with the port's operational requirements throughout the year.
Fully Automated Ship Loader Complementing the wind power station, photovoltaic panels installed on warehouse roofs contribute additional renewable energy. These panels, each with a capacity of 300 kW peak, are strategically located to maximize solar exposure, ensuring a balanced energy mix that aligns with the port's operational requirements throughout the year.
Performance Improvements
Operational Performance Automation is projected to significantly enhance operational efficiency at Wismar seaport. Loading times for typical ships could be reduced from 11.25 hours to 7.5 hours, ensuring optimal vessel utilization and minimizing energy consumption associated with extended loading operations. The shift to unmanned operations frees up labor for other port activities, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
Environmental Performance The automation and renewable energy initiatives are expected to yield substantial environmental benefits. By generating 1.3 million kWh annually from wind and solar sources, Wismar seaport aims to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 470 tonnes annually. This represents a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions for the entire port, supporting regional and global climate goals.
Quality Performance Enhanced automation improves the accuracy and precision of cargo loading, which is crucial for optimizing ballast water management. By utilizing real-time data and AI-driven systems, the port can minimize the use of ballast water, thereby reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact associated with excess ballast discharge.
Financial Performance Despite substantial upfront investments totaling EUR 970,000 for renewable energy infrastructure, the economic viability hinges on energy cost savings and environmental benefits. Annual savings from reduced energy costs are estimated at EUR 62,901.75, while the CO2 savings have a market value of EUR 281.06 per tonne saved, though higher than current carbon tax rates. This underscores the potential for long-term financial viability with appropriate public and private sector support.
The case study of Wismar seaport demonstrates a robust strategy for integrating digitalization and sustainability in port operations. By embracing automation and renewable energy, the port enhances operational efficiency and sets a benchmark for reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact. The initiative benefits the port economically and positions it as a leader in green port operations within the Baltic Sea region. As other ports consider similar transformations, the lessons learned from Wismar serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable and efficient port operations globally.
Reaching Smart Port With Scorpa Pranedya: Revolutionizing Ship Agency Operations With MagicPort
Scorpa Pranedya, a sales affiliate of MagicPort in Indonesia, is introducing a technological platform to revolutionize the country's ship agency business, and in the process bring efficiencies to port operations.
MagicPort connects ship owners, managers, ports and charterers with a high-quality, reliable network of agents, suppliers, and service providers worldwide, enabling intelligent and sustainable shipping. This platform brings all stakeholders together on a single portal, where they can manage profiles, find information, and connect with trusted partners to capture opportunities. The platform significantly enhances operational efficiency during port visits by digitizing essential tasks, such as:
Pre-Departure Activities (PDA)
Final Departure Activities (FDA)
Statement of Facts (SOF)
Daily reports.
By automating these tasks, MagicPort reduces the time and effort required for manual processes, allowing ship agencies to focus on more strategic activities.
Magic port also helps to identify vessels coming into a given port with detailed vessel information and predicts which services the vessels may be in need of based on information in its proprietary database.
Magic port also helps to identify vessels coming into a given port with detailed vessel information and predicts which services the vessels may be in need of based on information in its proprietary database.
Magic port also helps to identify vessels coming into a given port with detailed vessel information and predicts which services the vessels may be in need of based on information in its proprietary database.
References:
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Guidelines for 5G Campus Networks – Orientation for Small and Medium-Sized Business. Berlin: BWMi, 2020.
Henesey L., et al. Improved load planning of roro vessels by adopting blockchain and internet-of-things. Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Harbor, Maritime and Multimodal Logistic Modeling & Simulation 2020:58–65. https://doi.org/10.46354/i3m.2020.hms.009
iSAM Group. Advanced Anti-Collision System for Shiploaders. Available: https://www.isamamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_Applik_Report_ACS_Shiploader.pdf
Johnson H., Styhre L. Increased energy efficiency in short sea shipping through decreased time in port. Transportation German Environment Agency. CO2 emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity in further decline in 2019: Germany exports more electricity than it imports.
Philipp R. Digital Readiness Index Assessment towards Smart Port Development. Sustainability Management Forum. 2020:28(1):49–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00550-020-00501-5
Philipp R. Digital Readiness Index Assessment towards Smart Port Development. Sustainability Management Forum. 2020:28(1):49–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00550-020-00501-5
Word Bank. State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2020]. Available: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/33809/9781464815867.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed= y Research Part A: Policy and Practice 2015:71:167–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2014.11.008
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