Blockchain and Internet of Things Implementation in Small Ports

Working Package No. 5 is dedicated to be the implementation package. It complements the results gained in previous project work. While WP4 concentrates on drivers, getting and training skills with regard to the trends of design of a Blockchain Strategy and Internet of Things, No. 5 focuses on building tools and demonstrators for evaluating and testing ports. The simulation tools will be used for visualisation and evaluation of business modelling & infrastructural scenarios.

The project adopts a three-task approach. Interoperability in port networks may be hampered due to various reasons such as administrative bottlenecks, technological issues including ICT, restrictions in infrastructure and hinterland connections, and the port user’s perception of lack of quality offered by the supply chain networks. Initially these issues will be explored and studied as basis for further improvements of the port community network.

Furthermore, ports as intermodal terminals and their related activities are increasingly seen as agents of added value within supply chains. The value-added logistics services and facilities that a port offers depend on its location, the economic and technical developments that exist in its hinterland, and the corridors passing through it. However, to date ports are not cognizant of the immense data and information that they possess, which when leveraged may offer opportunities.

Based on the outputs and findings from the preceding tasks, future implementation for improved interoperability will be explored and studied. The objectives achieved from available automation technologies and Blockchain strategies will yield unified/-integrated vision of digitalisation of port components combined with smart data management.

Whereas the Working Package No. 4 pre-tests and trains the skills on the grassroot levels (mock-up), in Working Package No. 5 the accumulated knowledge is applied to small ports transport modelling scenarios that include the Blockchain and IoT technologies previously tested and acquainted with. State aid will be avoided through making all deliverables and achievements free for competition with other small ports (call for participation), sharing best practices and transferring knowledge to fellow ports. All the interested will be granted equal access opportunities.