As host of the IAPH World Ports Conference in 2015, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has implemented numerous innovative pilot projects as part of the SmartPORT concept. Based on these experiences, an international network between ports called ‘ChainPORT is being initiated.
The global platform is set to connect important information concerning the respective partner ports and create a basis that allows the joined development of new, future-oriented and innovative solutions.
In addition to the Port of Hamburg, the Ports of Busan, Singapore, Shenzhen, Los Angeles, Felixstowe and Antwerp are the partners in the future-oriented network. Jens Meier, Chairman of the Management Board HPA said: “This is a great day. With today’s event we are able to lay the foundation to further improve our network and to learn from each other so that we can create innovative ideas and solutions that provide added value to the global flow of goods and the ports.”
With ChainPORT, the HPA wants to go beyond the traditional bilateral port partnerships. In order to face the changing competitive challenges, a small group of selected, leading ports is planing to take on subject areas and develop innovations together. The idea is to establish a global chain of smartPORTS, the so-called ChainPORTS. The objective is to bring together the port managements and their stakeholders to share benchmarks and develop strategies together on how ports can and must work together in the future to reach common goals such as the globally necessary efficiency. The shared use of intelligent systems and data with other ports is also intended to ensure sustainable growth.
By Jake Frith
