Project Description

About the project

Within the domain of port operations, an in-depth analysis of geoinformation needs and port market priorities is of high importance in optimizing performance and enhancing ports’ daily operations and sustainability. The project ”Earth observations for the port of the future” will help ports to modernize their service provision, better-connected ports following the view of zero emissions, and ensure that all ports are capable of offering the best possible service. This requires a shift in mentality, while at the same time obtaining valuable insights from successful ports that actively incorporate Earth Observation (EO) services into their daily operations under the vision of the “EO4The port of the future”.

The project “EO4The port of the future” aims to fulfill the following objectives:

Obj-1. Identification and consolidation of geoinformation needs and priorities

EO-based data and products offer valuable insights and opportunities for enhancing several functions including security, efficiency, and environmental impact of ports and harbors. This begins with a comprehensive understanding of the specific data requirements for ports, encompassing infrastructure, environmental conditions, cargo, and vessel movements. The application of geospatial data extends to port planning, infrastructure maintenance and investment decisions, navigation and vessel traffic management, cargo tracking, security infrastructure placement, environmental impact assessment, market analysis, trade forecasting, and regulatory compliance.

Obj-2. Literature review and detailed Market Analysis 

Marine transportation and especially port infrastructure are subject to various European and national regulations, standards and industry – specific guidelines. Therefore, a literature review can help to identify specific requirements and standards that need to be addressed and integrated into the "EO4The port of the future". A market analysis will be held to unveil the complete landscape, the market positioning and the expanding new opportunities by examining existing and mature EO-based products.

Obj-3: Perform gap analysis

For the successful implementation of mature EO products in the maritime management and port operations, an EO capability gap study must be conducted. This involves a thorough assessment of all relevant research and methodologies that have been developed, including information about the geoinformation needs that are not yet fulfilled. Determining the areas where EO technology and services fail to meet user demands is a critical task for our research in port operations. Gap analysis is a starting point for an action plan to produce operational improvement in EO methodologies implementation in ports.

Obj-4. Stakeholders’ engagement (Organization of Workshops etc.)

Stakeholder’s engagement will be achieved by the organization of the “EO4The port of the future" Workshops and interviews, aiming to foster collaboration and interaction, gaining valuable insights, concerns and expertise. Key stakeholders will provide the initial baseline stating their needs and requirements, will refine strategies, validate "EO4The port of the future" outcomes, and ensure that the products cater effectively to the real-world port needs.

Obj-5. Identification of relative mature EO-based solutions 

As EO data becomes more available for a variety of marine and port operations applications, mature EO-based solutions will be identified. Image classification, change detection, object-oriented classifications and machine/deep learning methods currently implemented to provide appropriate monitoring of various marine tasks such as ship detection, environmental indices (oil spills, etc.), and infrastructure resilience monitoring, will be selected.

Obj-6. Networking and Ecosystem Building 

This objective aims to establish a strong collaborative network that connects different stakeholders and experts in the field of port operations in relation to EO. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of partnerships among relevant organizations, experts and entities in the port sector, in order to create a dynamic ecosystem that encourages the sharing of knowledge, exchange of expertise and development of innovative EO-based solutions.

Obj-7. Deployment of at least three EO-based products 

Three EO-based products will be integrated into existing workflows and systems of port operators, allowing them to maximize the benefits of these innovative EO solutions.

Through successful deployment, the project will not only contribute to improving the sustainability and efficiency of port operations, but will also validate the applicability of EO-based solutions in real scenarios.

Obj-8. Integration into the GTIF Platform 

GTIF, as a specialized hub for geospatial and EO data, offers a wealth of advanced tools and functionalities that can significantly amplify the value of these demonstrators. The GTIF will offer access to various datasets leveraging the capabilities of Copernicus services, produced by appropriate cutting–edge scientific methods. Focusing on port areas, for instance, it is possible to identify vessels and their tracking route by utilizing satellite-based systems and exploiting AIS data. For environmental assessment, it is probable to track the waste of ships or the impacts of marine accidents, such as oil spills using SAR or optical data.

Obj-9. Dissemination through EARSC 

This workspace will serve as an aggregated hub for disseminating all project products to relevant stakeholders to review project requirements. The key purpose of this is to enhance communication and cooperation with key players in the industry, ensuring that the project aligns with their expectations and necessities.

Obj-10. Development of a High-level roadmap plan

The roadmap plan is an essential component as it provides a detailed insight into the current and future integration of EO technologies and data into the port industry. The aim of this objective is to define a clear path for the continuous development and enhancement of EO-based solutions within the port sector, taking into consideration emerging technologies, changing needs and evolving requirements of the industry.