A vision for the future of automated ports with AI and 5G: harnessing technology for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.
The Barcelona Maritime Museum features an exhibit about the impact of container shipping on the supply chain. A recorded video features a woman discussing her work as a dockworker and the increased opportunities for women in the field due to containerization. She mentions enjoying operating a container crane, likening it to playing Tetris. There are about forty-five women stevedores in the Port of Barcelona, compared to over one thousand men.
The recent dockworkers strike along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, which halted operations at over 30 seaports and disrupted nearly half of the country’s shipments, is a stark reminder of the fragility of global supply chains. As port congestion intensifies and labor unrest threatens, industry leaders increasingly focus on automation as a long-term solution to mitigate such disruptions. At the heart of this shift is the integration of cutting-edge technologies like 5G networks, which promise to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across ports.
Is automation the future?
The appeal of port automation lies in its potential to streamline traditionally labor-intensive processes, such as container handling, storage, and security operations. Automation is not just about cost-cutting but also about improving reliability and performance. Automated ports can operate continuously without the downtime associated with labor breaks, strikes, or changes in shifts. This uninterrupted functionality is critical in an industry that handles massive quantities of cargo under tight schedules.
The economic case for automation has been mixed until recently. According to a 2018 McKinsey survey, while automation can reduce operating expenses by 25% to 55%, it also tends to lower productivity in fully automated terminals by 7% to 15%. This paradox arises due to several factors, including high upfront costs, lack of adequate data infrastructure, and challenges in handling anomalies in automated systems. Compared to other asset-heavy industries like mining or manufacturing, these obstacles have slowed the adoption of automation in ports. Yet, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology are now positioning ports to overcome many challenges, signaling a new phase of “smart” “port” automation.
Role of AI and 5G networks in port automation
5G technology is leading the way in making fully automated ports possible. This technology offers ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and stable, secure connectivity, unlike conventional Wi-Fi or 4G networks. These features are essential for running complex systems of automated cranes, guided vehicles, and drones in real time.
Private 5G networks allow for seamless, real-time data transmission between various automated systems, from cranes and robots to security drones, without the risk of network congestion. At ports like Antwerp and Tyne, 5G-connected drones operate for their ability to provide continuous, high-quality video feeds for security surveillance, drastically reducing response times to incidents. These drones, supported by AI and edge computing, offer a glimpse into the future of port security—where machines, not humans, will monitor vast terminal spaces, optimizing resource allocation and improving safety.
In the Port of Bristol, 5G-enabled drones responded to triggered incidents in eight minutes—less than half the time it took for manual assessment. Similarly, geo-fencing technologies reduced inspection times by over 50%, showcasing the efficiency gains that 5G can bring to routine port tasks.
Overcoming the Barriers to Automation
Despite the clear potential, several barriers to full-scale port automation persist. One key hurdle is the shortage of technical expertise required to design, implement, and maintain these automated systems. Ports transitioning to automation often face a steep learning curve, as even experienced engineers can take up to five years to become proficient in the technical demands of operating an automated terminal.
Ports must deal with fragmented IT systems and isolated operations, which makes integrating automated systems difficult. Developing a comprehensive data infrastructure can harmonize port operations, providing greater visibility and flexibility in handling unexpected events. Port managers should be cautious of the high initial costs of automation. To justify the investment, automated terminals must reduce operating expenses by 25% or boost productivity by 30%. With careful planning and gradual implementation, these investments can lead to “Port 4.0” – a fully automated, data-driven model.
A Blueprint for the Future With AI and 5G
The ongoing dockworkers strike underscored the importance of resilient supply chains. With ports at a standstill, the economic impact is staggering, with some estimates placing the daily cost of the strike at $5 billion. In this context, automation, supported by AI and private cellular networks, offers a viable path forward to reduce dependency on labor and ensure more reliable operations.
A vision for the future of automated ports is taking shape, driven by collaborations between technology firms and port authorities. For example, the trial at the Port of Antwerp demonstrated how 5G networks, aided by AI, can provide uninterrupted coverage and enable real-time communication between drones and central command systems. The use of AI for person recognition and edge computing for data processing ensures that these systems can respond to incidents faster and do so with a high degree of precision.
This move toward “smart” “ports” is also driven by the need to handle increasingly complex and large-scale operations. With container ships growing in size and global trade volumes expanding, traditional methods of port management are becoming insufficient. Automation promises to bring scalability and flexibility to port operations, allowing for greater adaptability in the face of fluctuations in cargo volumes and external shocks like labor disputes.
“Terminals can be semi-automated or fully automated, where all movements in the yard and quay-yard-quay are,” stated Prof. Luis Pedrayes of the Autonomous University of Barcelona. “Today, there are more than 60 semi- or fully automated container terminals, and around 100 automation projects are underway worldwide, which will be completed before 2030. The highest concentration of these terminals is found in Asia, followed by Europe.”
The Human Factor
China’s leadership in port automation raises concerns. The U.S., for instance, fears that China’s control over such crucial infrastructure could grant them leverage over vital resources and trade routes. This has reignited discussions about the need for a more proactive approach to maintaining a balanced global shipping landscape.
While the technological potential of AI and automation is clear, the transition toward fully automated ports raises essential questions about the future of labor in the maritime industry. Dockworkers, such as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), have historically resisted automation efforts, fearing job losses and the deskilling of the workforce.
However, proponents of automation argue that these technologies can create new types of jobs in programming, system maintenance, and oversight roles. The key lies in managing this transition carefully and ensuring that workers are retrained for the new technical roles that automated ports will require.
As global supply chains face mounting challenges, from strikes to rising demand, the potential of port automation becomes increasingly compelling. If successfully implemented, technologies could transform ports into highly efficient, resilient hubs capable of weathering future disruptions, ensuring that the flow of global trade remains smooth and uninterrupted.