The Ports 4.0 Conference goes live in just over a month in Tallinn, Estonia. Before we all meet on May 17th, 2018, at the seat of the Estonian Maritime Academy, we’d like to give a feel for why digitalization is such an important process for the maritime industry. And there’s no one better suited to explain this to us than Valdo Kalm, CEO of the Port of Tallinn and host for the event!

AgendaVenueRegistrationContact usSmart and digital: Technological advancement and success is driven by the ability of maritime companies to fully adapt the following principles – using smart and digital tools to simplify business processes, creating a favorable business environment, and doing this with a careful focus on sustainability and responsible usage of natural resources.

Smart and digital

For a company servicing more than ten million passengers per year, ensuring smooth traffic for both people and vehicles is fundamental. Simple check-in and short waiting times, together with minimized wasted time and efficient management of queues – all this can be achieved with a modern Smart Port application. 

Port of Tallinn has started testing its pilot project, which also addresses the congestion of trucks. Currently, vehicles bound for ships usually  park in the port first, and boarding inevitably results in traffic jams. With the implementation of real-time waiting line systems, we will have the trucks stopping on the outskirts of city centre, before being  directed to vessels at exactly the right time. Thus, a smart solution  not only shortens waiting times at port, but also reduces traffic loads and minimizes air pollution.

For the industry as whole, smart solutions at end customer points are a  must-have tool, but for real efficiency gains the key is digitalization. All our communication channels are digital already, and the logistics  sector is utilizing well-functioning in-house digital platforms and solutions. But for a value chain that ranges across borders and often includes tens of different companies, the often-encountered bottleneck results from the interconnection of IT-systems between different actors. In Estonia the core members of the infrastructure cluster have started developing an information system exchange layer called Single Window, which allows the logistics and transportation sector to communicate with each other in a paperless and secure way.

In essence, such a solution would be similar to an information system exchange layer called X-Road. Its core digital infrastructure allows the nation’s various e-services databases, both in the public and private sector, to link up and operate in harmony.

Being smart and  digital is the way forward in serving customers and reducing bottlenecks, which will not only have a direct impact on a businesses’ bottom line, but also benefits society as a whole.

And if you want to learn more – join us during the Ports 4.0 Conference, we’re looking forward to seeing you there!Book your tickets now and join us in Tallinn on May 17th, 2018, to discover more about  Port of Tallinn’s “X-Road” solution and the impact of digitalization on the maritime industry in general!

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