Port of Durban goes state of the art
Aerial and underwater drones will be used to inspect infrastructure as well as the condition of the sea bed.
SOUTH Africa’s busiest commercial port is leading the pack in embracing the new technology. The Port of Durban will be introducing new and exciting digital initiatives that will see some of its operations being conducted through wireless technology.
The future introduction of the Smart People’s Port has been informed by the new era of the world’s Fourth Industrial Revolution which involves developments in genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing.
The concept will not only see all commercial ports in South Africa increasing capacity ahead of demand but also increasing customer satisfaction by running seamless port operations.
Speaking at the African Ports Evolution 2016 Conference earlier this week, Ristha Joga, Information, Management and Services Manager at Transnet National Ports Authority’s Port of Durban said, “A Smart People’s Port will result in an efficient data-rich and information-rich eco-system connecting port assets, port employees, terminal operators and the port community including road and rail”.
“It will also help the ports to achieve a more focused customer centric technology that will reduce the latency of information sharing and result in a more informed decision-making process.”
Aerial and underwater drones, as well as track and trace technology used to track port assets such as tugs and dredgers, have been piloted successfully at the port. The ‘proof of concept’ exercise showed that drones can be used in a number of ways including inspecting infrastructure and the condition of the sea bed, which can be done safely without interrupting port operations.
The port has also introduced a mobile application designed to streamline complaints and issues reported.
