The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to enhance connectivity between Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) and Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) to improve the flow of goods between seaports and hinterlands. This initiative was announced by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA Managing Director, during the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair. The primary goal of this initiative is to support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and streamline export processes, thereby fostering economic growth in Nigeria [64e3a0fd].
In addition to improving connectivity, the NPA is pursuing full automation through the implementation of the Ports Community System (PCS), which aligns with the National Single Window (NSW) initiative. This automation is expected to facilitate smoother operations and enhance the efficiency of export activities across the country. The theme of the trade fair resonates with the NPA's objectives of connecting businesses and creating value within the export sector [64e3a0fd].
Meanwhile, as the logistics and supply chain industry continues to embrace AI advancements, terminal operators are recognizing the potential benefits of integrating AI tools into their operations. Tideworks, a leading provider of terminal operating systems (TOS), is taking the initiative to develop a strategic framework for establishing AI in terminal operations. The company aims to help terminals prepare for AI integration by identifying and closing gaps between people, processes, and technology. Tideworks understands that training an AI learning model with bad data will not produce good results, so they are focused on developing and validating AI tools specifically suited for different use cases.
AI tools have the potential to revolutionize container yard organization and container exchange processes in terminal operations. Companies like SAP, Fujitsu, and Envision are also promoting their AI tools for container terminals. AI is well-suited for analyzing large amounts of data and can help port terminal managers plan and orchestrate container management in real-time. However, terminals need to position themselves to take advantage of AI tools by closing process gaps and implementing data tools to ensure quality real-time data that AI can work with.
Tideworks is collaborating with AI leaders like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services to understand their approach and how it can benefit the terminal sector. By working closely with these industry giants, Tideworks aims to gain insights into best practices and leverage their expertise to develop AI tools that are tailored to the specific needs of terminal operations. With the right framework and tools in place, terminals can harness the power of AI to optimize their operations and drive efficiency in the logistics and supply chain industry.
In a recent development, SAAM Terminals has closed a global collaboration agreement with Next Port AI to implement their new platform, which combines DigitalTwin and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, at two of its ports. The platform uses real-time data collected from sensors and IoT technologies to create a digital replica of the port's physical assets, processes, and systems. This solution aims to enhance operational excellence and optimize the Terminal Operating System (TOS) [4e9fdca8].