Transforming port cities into smart port cities; challenges and opportunities

The growth of commercial traffic in ports resulting from increasing demand for the import and export of goods has made the development of port cities inevitable. The physical expansion and development of existing infrastructure may be considered the first and most readily available option. However, due to physical limitations and the lack of necessary space for such development, managers and urban planners are considering the use of emerging technologies such as sensors, the Internet of Things, cloud computing platforms, artificial intelligence, block chain, big data, etc. for the development of smart and sustainable ports. This approach would optimize and manage existing infrastructure, increase efficiency and productivity, and reduce harmful environmental effects. This article aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities of implementing smart ports by examining real-life examples of smart and sustainable infrastructures in port cities such as Hamburg, Singapore, Rotterdam, Montreal, Los Angeles, etc. The results of the research reveal that the digitalization and sustainable development of logistics in ports can lead to a) improved economic productivity, b) reduced harmful environmental effects, c) increased efficiency and effectiveness, and d) increased demand due to transparency, speed, and accuracy in logistics operations.However, providing the necessary initial capital to equip existing infrastructure, especially in smaller and less developed ports, is one of the significant challenges facing the development of smart and sustainable logistics.

کلیدواژه ها:

Smart ports ، Smart infrastructures ، IOT ، Sustainable Development