Only a smart port can expand

The Digital Twin provides a scan of the port every second – a real-time view of what is happening at the port. How? By collecting all potentially relevant data through a network of sensors, drones and cameras, connected via a local 5G network and linked to external data such as geographical databases, ship data, meteorological data, radio communications and so on. In this way, the Digital Twin is a central nervous system through which – by allegory to human senses – we hear, see, smell and feel what is happening in the port area. The ultimate goal? To permanently monitor and control the vast port area.

There are sensors on the lifebuoys' casing that send an alert signal if someone opens the casing or the casing is disconnected from the network. Electronic noses (iNoses) measure twenty volatile organic compounds around the clock to detect emissions of certain gases.

An autonomously sailing boat and sensors on tugs constantly gauge the depth in the navigation channels, allowing dredging to be carried out in a more targeted manner. This includes the maintenance of bridges, lock gates and quay walls.

The Digital Twin gets really interesting when the combination of big data and artificial intelligence also yields some useful conclusions. This is why Port of Antwerp-Bruges is developing algorithms that link the information of the iNoses to wind speed and direction data for the past few hours and days, as well as vessel log data. This allows us to identify the potential source of certain gas emissions. The system also detects near collisions between ships at lightning speed and sends out an alert. It is even possible to visually replay the routes travelled by ships for an insurance appraisal, or to find out the true circumstances of a collision.