Ports Perspectives
Infrastructure coupled with new technologies
While external factors cause supply chain disruptions or affect efficiency, so can internal ones, specifically infrastructure development in the Americas. Francisco Morandi, representative of Puerto de Buenos Aires, highlighted that one of the main challenges Argentinian ports face is the draft (calado), which limits vessel size and the capacity and efficiency of port operations.
On his side, Ricardo Sánchez, head of the Caribbean Research Institute, commented that in 2023, many ports, especially in Central and South America, experienced varying performances, showing recovery signs in early 2024, but improving infrastructure remains a task to do. For instance, the new Port of Chancay in Peru was brought into the conversation about how it will affect shipments departing from Chile.
In this context, terminals and ports, particularly in Chile, face a dilemma: they need to invest in infrastructure, yet many argue that the permitting process, similar to other industries requiring significant investments, is unnecessarily prolonged. Pedro Vásquez, terminal manager and commercial manager of QC Terminales Chile, asserted that industry should not be blinded by the short-term: "We recognize that these projects are long-term, from construction to the consolidation of commercial operations. It is essential to maintain a steady and safe pace in this development marathon, especially in a context like Chile's, where prudence is key."
In North America, substantial investments are underway at Port Houston. Sergio Ojeda, Port Houston's Central and South America representative, explained that Project 11 is the port's ship channel expansion, which has an investment of US$1.2 billion and is scheduled for completion in 2025:“This initiative is crucial for enhancing the channel's capacity, allowing for safer and more efficient bidirectional traffic of everyday goods and petrochemical products to and from the regio,” he added.
While infrastructure investment is a long-term goal, logistics terminals and ports can enhance efficiency by incorporating new technologies. For instance, according to Ojeda, Port Houston has advanced technology such as "Express Pass" to facilitate trucks' rapid entry and exit.
“AI and other advanced mathematical innovations can simplify daily tasks, allowing us to focus more on strategic work, ultimately improving margins and saving millions, as highlighted by some end-users.”
Luciana Mansur, Solution Manager-Chemicals and Polymer, AspenTech
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are common topics in efficiency and technology adoption regardless of industry. But what is the current state of AI in logistics? When Ojeda was asked about incorporating AI into the Port's operations, he answered: "We believe that AI is still at an incipient stage for its effective application in our segment."
Vásquez, echoed a similar sentiment, stated that AI is not new, it is simply referred to by a different name now, but it is something that companies like QC Terminales have been implementing for a long time: "Although it is currently the talk of the town, we have been implementing it in our systems for years. Our goal now is to strategically target AI, using algorithms and data analysis methods to optimize specific performances according to our needs. Proper database and log management is critical; only what is measured can be controlled, and only what is controlled can be improved," concluded the manager of QC Terminales Chile.
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