An 18-month project is coming to an end. Nine Norwegian ports have worked together with the Norwegian Mapping Authority and the software firm Grieg Connect. Stakeholders from both the public and private sector have been involved in the project called “Norwegian Digital Port Infrastructure". In the project a digital infrastructure was developed, where the port’s objects are mapped in the data set called “Port data”, and digital software tools have been created, that will contribute to the efficiency of shipping and port operations. The partners recently celebrated the completion of the Norwegian Digital Infrastructure project at Port of Oslo’s Skur 38.
Digital Twin
The work on digitizing the ports is planned to be continued in the even more ambitious project proposal called “Digital twin in Port”.
A digital twin is defined as a digital or virtual representation of a physical reality. Made possible through data and simulators for real-time predictions, optimization, monitoring, control and improved decision support (source: SINTEF).
The planned project will carry out surveying the port (“port data”) and sea bed mapping in the harbor basin in the 100 largest port organizations in Norway. The project aims to make ship transport more efficient in Norway through integrations between SafeSeaNet, the Norwegian pilot guide, and IT-software used by the port authority. One of the planned activities in the project is to run a pilot that will look at the use of digital twins together with autonomous system in the port, to make logistics operations and other port operations more efficient. The project is now seeking funding from the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
IT software
How long is a quay, and how much load can a bollard or a wharf withstand? Where is shore power available, and how high is a quay front above chart datum? Answers to these and other vital questions concerning port calls and port operations was previously usually hard to get hold of. They might be found in an Excel spreadsheet managed by an engineer working in the port, and every port would have their data structured differently. Development of IT software in the ports will contribute to sharing data, streamlining port operations, reduce downtime and creating more efficient logistics.
- Digitalization of port data is a prerequisite for developing tools to modernize and streamline port operations, says Hege Berg Thurmann, project owner of “the Norwegian digital port infrastructure” on behalf of Port of Oslo.
Competitiveness and environment
Open, public port data provides a basis for innovation.
Geographical data in the nine involved ports have been measured and collected according to a national standard, called “port data”. Digitalization of data is the foundation for operational tools and future autonomous port operations. The data collected is stored in a national database hosted and managed by the Norwegian Mapping Authority and is publicly available via www.kystinfo.no and Geonorge.no.
Ports, shipping companies, agents, pilots, SafeSeaNet, the military, map suppliers, and others working in the maritime sector can already reap the benefits from the work that has been done on collecting port data.
- Digitization of port data strengthens the competitiveness of shipping in Norway and creates value for shipping companies and other logistics operators. Good digital tools, which are built on the new port data set, will help modernize port operations and reduce emissions, says Ingvar M. Mathisen.
Digital tools
IT software developed in the project has been implemented in the nine ports that have participated in the project. The port authority have received training and guidance in using the new digital tools. The ports must ensure the quality of their own data and keep them up to date in the national database.
A new map display tool communicates directly with the database. It has simple and user-friendly functionality for updating the data.
- Each port can update the metadata for their quays, which immediately becomes publicly available. It keeps the database relevant as ports develop and change, says Berg Thurmann.
New functions
The data set comes in handy regarding port calls. The new IT software improves the interaction between the parties in a port call. One example is the expanded functionality of the port administration tool “Port” developed by Grieg Connect, which many Norwegian ports use to register and invoice port calls. Agents and others who are involved in a call get the opportunity to register their needs directly into “Port” instead of emailing the port with a request.
Another project outcome is the development of a portal where, for example, a ship's captain can place orders for water, shore power, or waste removal.
- Greater transparency in the port systems and new support functions contribute to effective planning. A calendar, task board, and dashboard provide a comprehensive overview of what is happening in the port. A third party can view the displays and share plans, says Berg Thurmann.
Collaboration
The Norwegian Digital Port Infrastructure is a collaborative project between the nine ports of Oslo, Arendal, Kristiansand, Båtsfjord, Kristiansund, Bergen, Karmsund, Trondheim, Bodø, the Norwegian Mapping Authority , and the software firm Grieg Connect.
The port of Oslo, represented by Hege Berg Thurmann, has been the project owner. The project management has consisted of Lars Fredrik Gyland (the Norwegian Mapping Authority) and Maléne Peterson (Norkart). The project had a budget of NOK 32 million.