Safetytech Accelerator Unveils Strategic Collaboration with AWAKE.AI and Algeciras Bay Port Authority for Maritime Innovation
14/12/2023Safetytech Accelerator, is proud to announce a collaboration with the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) and AWAKE.AI for a Proof of Concept (PoC) initiative.
The objective of the collaboration is to integrate AWAKE.AI’s ETA Prediction API solution with APBA ports operations, enhancing the efficiency of vessel arrivals and contributing to emissions reduction. Awake.AI was a participant in Waypoint, Safetytech Accelerator’s maritime acceleration programme. This fourth round of Waypoint was focused on solving challenges of nearshore operations – specifically minimising human error, supporting safer navigation, reducing turnaround time, and preventing accidents in nearshore settings.
Navigating Industry Challenges
A recent study revealed that over a third of container ships’ port time is spent on entry and exit maneuvers, docking, undocking, and waiting for port services. The remaining time is dedicated to the actual loading and unloading processes. Factors influencing the vessel’s timely arrival at the pilot’s embarkation point include berthing availability, ocean conditions, pilots, and tugboats. Efficient port calls depend on timely updates among port authorities, terminals, shipping lines, and agents during these critical final hours. To reduce waiting periods, enhancing transparency and optimizing data exchange through intelligent solutions are key.
Building on this understanding, the collaboration with the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) and AWAKE.AI is centred on analysing how providing precise and reliable Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) predictions as vessels announce their approach to the Port of Algeciras could foster Just-in-Time arrivals, optimizing port call planning, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. AWAKE.AI’s solution delivers improved visibility of expected port calls, by providing these Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). This streamlines data exchange, which could support decision-making and result in greater port call optimization.
“Awake.AI will be demonstrating an innovative AI-based tool for supporting decision-making and delivers real-time situational awareness for expected port calls, which can enable enhanced port call planning, better resource allocation of technical-nautical services and an improved coordination between agents involved. The AI-based tool is also embedded with emission computations for holistic vessels’ operation, to deliver environmental impact awareness of port’s related activities.”, highlights Karno Tenovuo, CEO & Co-founder of Awake.AI.
Jesús Medina, Chief Information & Innovation Officer at Algeciras Bay Port Authority, provided insights into the recent collaboration with Awake.AI and Safetytech Accelerator in the context of the open innovation Waypoint Program:
‘This collaboration we are initiating is aligned with our strategic objectives of developing an open innovation port ecosystem that enables the introduction of competitive advantages to the Port of Algeciras, accelerates innovation results and ultimately deploys high value-added solutions for our customers and users. In particular, we expect to obtain an AI-based tool for supporting decision-making at the planning level, capable of delivering real-time situational awareness and predictability for vessel arrivals. ‘
This collaboration is an example of how Safetytech Accelerator work with its partners and cutting-edge technology providers to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Nadia Echchihab, Head of Innovation programs, Safetytech Accelerator, provided insights into our collaborative endeavour with Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) and AWAKE.AI:
‘As we embark on this journey with APBA and AWAKE.AI under the Waypoint Program, we are addressing a key challenge in Nearshore operations. This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to fostering technological advancements that optimize port operations but also aligns with our dedication to environmental sustainability in the maritime industry. I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot which is paving the way for more efficient and sustainable practices in our industry.’
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Notes to editors
About Safetytech Accelerator
Safetytech Accelerator, established by Lloyd’s Register, is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on advancing innovation in safety critical industries, with a mission to make the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable through the wider adoption of technology
Contact Information: info@safetytechaccelerator.org
About Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA)
Algeciras Port Authority, located at the Strait of Gibraltar, is the first Spanish and fourth European port in terms of total cargo. With more than 110,000 ships/year crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and 7,500 ha of deep and sheltered waters, Algeciras is promoting a one-stop-shop port concept for vessel services (bunkering, repairs, ship supplies and others).
We consider innovation as the key element to foster competitivity enhancement and value creation, therefore, our Innovation Strategy sets the following mission: to transform the Port of Algeciras Bay into a world leader in innovation and technology; by implementing the concept of the Next Generation Algeciras Port (Just-in-Time, Smart and Green) and consolidating a port-logistics innovation hub, based on open digital innovation, technology and talent.
About AWAKE.AI:
Awake.AI is a Finnish optimization platform company whose solutions are focused on developing customized AI/ML models to optimize cargo flow through the ports, reduce waiting times and emissions. Awake’s AI-driven Smart Port and Shipping Platform is developed to bring together all maritime actors at sea, ports and land, making port operations more efficient, safe and sustainable. For terminal operators we optimise port calls with AI insights, for port authorities we maximise the use of their existing port capacity, for ship operators we enable just-in-time arrival and faster turnaround times and for cargo owners we bring full transparency to cargo flow in sea-port-land. The company delivers a holistic AI-driven software platform, ML APIs, prediction and optimization models, Smart Port as a Service application, Berth planning solution and Smart Port Marketplace.
Contact Information: sales@awake.ai
More info about Waypoint: Waypoint 5 – Safetytech Accelerator