Traxens joins European DataPorts project

French supply chain data services company Traxens has joined the new European DataPorts project, which is aimed at the creation of a data platform for smart ports of the future. The three-year project has a budget of €6.7-million, the bulk of which comes from the EU and is headed up by by the Technological Institute of Informatics (ITI) in Spain.

Currently, only 3% of container terminals are automated. The industry's future points - as with most sectors - towards smart solutions as the optimal way of overcoming the demands and challenges that the sector must face. The include emissions and waste reduction, enhancing the supply chain for both operators and carriers, as well as optimising operations at port.

DataPorts will use the large amount of data generated around modern, connected sea ports and take advantage of the high level of digitalisation these ports have achieved so far. Existing digital platforms and tools will be leveraged to establish an industrial data platform where data coming from different stakeholders and external sources can be combined and processed to achieve real value.

To optimise supply chains shipping companies are using the digital transformation, where real-time data is key.

In a statement, Traxens said: "The availability of door-to-door visibility of the transport implementation, with applied AI and the use of blockchain technology, will result in easier integration of reliable, trustworthy, private and secure data in different processes. Information will potentially be shared with the whole of the supply chain (in respect of the data governance rules that protect their competitive advantages), offering greater visibility, real-time tracking, waste reduction, higher security and potentially faster border clearance."

Historically, maritime port infrastructure is relatively complex with several players being involved in port operations, including retailers, freight forwarders, carriers, consignees and port authorities. At present, many of the players don't always interact with one another, leading to "stagnant silos of information" - a term used to describe the inability to realise the full potential of data.

The DataPorts project aims to create a secure data platform that shares information, not only between port agents, but also with other ports. Only those with the relevant permits and contracts can access data sharing and research new Artificial Intelligence and cognitive services.

Traxens produce devices which provide door-to-door visibility and fleet management capability for a variety of logistics units. Tracking and monitoring data is collected via its devices, installed on each of the logistics assets. These devices have different real-time communication facilities (cellular connectivity and IoT mesh networking). A wide range of sensors offer different capabilities, including geolocation and geofencing, temperature and humidity measurements, door open detection and client alerts on the shocks that may occur during transportation.

“Even today, when seaports have achieved a mature state in terms of digitalisation, there is a clear gap in taking full advantage of digital data assets,” said Santiago Cáceres, DataPorts coordinator at ITI. “A secure and trustworthy platform, able to grant data sharing and trading, opens up many business opportunities. Obviously, it also brings a number of challenges, but DataPorts was designed to provide the means and tools to overcome these, paving the way to creating new business models using its results.” 

“Participating in the DataPorts project will give Traxens the opportunity to share data between port actors and demonstrate the effectiveness of its Smart Container technology,” said Dr Hanane Becha, Traxens Innovation & Standards senior manager. “For that purpose, it is intended that a data market will be created in which all the transport chain companies participate, so that big data solutions can be created. These will improve the integration of data sources, making them easier to use, faster and much more reliable.”

DataPorts aims to establish a data space for all maritime ports in Europe and contribute to the European Commission's goal of a common European data space. 

Back to Homepage

Back to Technology & Innovation

Back to Transportation