Port Strategy | IoT cargo optimisation

BT and ABP are trialling the next generation of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technology at the Port of Ipswich. Photo: ABP

IoT technology is enabling a UK port to optimise cargo movement in near real time.

BT and Associated British Ports (ABP) are trialling the next generation of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technology to speed up the movement and processing of cargo goods and digitise the Port of Ipswich’s logistics and operations processes.

Andrew Harston, regional director, Wales and short sea ports, at ABP, said: “The trial with BT is an exciting step in the Port of Ipswich’s journey to becoming a smart port. The data generated by the Internet of Things solution gives the team in Ipswich the power to manage our resources and assets more effectively, improving our productivity and reducing our costs. Ultimately this trial will help us to provide even better customer service.”

More efficient cargo handling

ABP and BT have installed IoT devices on cranes and transport equipment, which are used for the safe and efficient collection and transportation of cargoes across the port. The data generated by BT’s IoT solution are captured, analysed and visualised on BT’s Intelligent Asset platform to make the unloading and transportation of cargoes more efficient – in near real time.

The solution interprets the data from a wide range of port equipment, providing a record of time, travel distance, routes taken, and weight of goods unloaded. The information is then automatically sent to port management, allowing them to track the progress of the ship-to-shore operations. This allows the Port of Ipswich operational team make rapid, data-driven management decisions, and facilitate more collaborative decision-making with customers.

In addition to tracking the movement of assets, the data collected from BT’s IoT solution also monitors periods of inactivity, underutilisation, and maintenance requirements.

For instance, the data provides better understanding of the resourcing of crane drivers and uses that analysis to reduce costs as well as greenhouse gasses. Cranes are used more when downtime is assessed accurately, and resources can be flexibly deployed to reduce periods of inactivity.

The solution also gathers insights such as how often the equipment is being used, and how much distance they have covered. This provides an accurate view of maintenance requirements for plant equipment and machinery.