First Exclusive Webinar
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On September 12th, PLIKA proudly hosted its first-ever webinar, bringing together PLIKERS to explore cutting-edge digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) in port operations. The event, held at 11:00 CET, attracted approximately 27 participants and featured two prominent experts from the logistics and port industries.
The webinar began with Prof. Alaa Morsy, Vice President of PLIKA, who shared insights from his 23 years of experience in port operations, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. In his presentation, Digital Solutions for Sustainable Port Operations, Prof. Morsy traced the evolution of technology, from the agricultural era to the digitalization of ports today, and highlighted the transformative impact of these advancements.
His key points included the role of automation in port operations, showcasing tools such as intelligent cranes, automated vehicles, and advanced monitoring systems like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). Prof. Morsy underscored the benefits of digital control systems and unified dashboards, helping operators track emissions, optimize port infrastructure, and enhance future planning. He also discussed the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in improving asset maintenance, electricity use, and equipment efficiency, while cautioning about cybersecurity challenges and the high costs of digital infrastructure.
The second speaker, Mr. Carles Rua, Head of Innovation at the Port of Barcelona, shared insights on how AI is revolutionizing port operations and supply chain management. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Rua explained how AI, combined with other advanced technologies, is transforming the industry. He shared case studies from the Port of Barcelona, including AI-powered virtual gates that scan cargo seals and analyze goods using LIDAR technology, and the implementation of autonomous electric buses. He also highlighted the port’s involvement in the 5G Maritime project, which uses smart cameras for vessel tracking.
Throughout the event, PLIKA’s Vice President, Ms. Ana Rumbeu, expressed her excitement about the innovative topics being discussed. She highlighted the importance of adopting these technologies and cited the ValenciaPort Foundation’s initiative to train copilots capable of leading small-scale innovations within their organizations.
The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees actively engaged with the speakers. The enthusiasm from the PLIKA community demonstrated the importance of these issues to its members. Ms. Rumbeu closed the session by emphasizing the value of the strong bonds within the PLIKA network and the power of collaboration in driving future innovations.
Stay tuned for future events and content, exclusively for PLIKA members!