INNOVATION
BUSINESS
SUSTAINABILITY
PORT-CITY
Innovation
Innovation projects
Innovation projects
The APC is closely involved in drawing up ideas for innovation projects in the innovation hubs described and is also engaged in rolling out ongoing projects in the Ports 4.0 calls for
proposals. This is an initiative run by the State-owned Ports Body to support building and consolidating a network of start-ups, spin-offs and new lines of business in technology.
Innovation projects
MACHSENSE
Development of a low-cost sensor-based and artificial intelligence system to control and reduce the impacts of diffuse particle emissions in port environments. These technologies offer solutions with high added value which will enable PortCastelló and port industry businesses to become more competitive while improving their eco-efficiency and sustainability parameters which in turn are strategic strands for PortCastelló.
The MACHSENSE solution will deliver a digital platform which can estimate the impact of diffuse particles in port environments, enabling port authorities to minimise the environmental, economic and social impact of their activities and also to plan bulk operations in response to potentially adverse conditions.
Featured innovations:
- Does not require expert knowledge.
- Use of low-cost sensors (approx. €5K).
- Mobile system, can be placed anywhere, does not require mains power supply or air conditioning.
- Built-in info storage and forwarding system.
- Low sensor maintenance.
VIPE
The VIPE project is developing a control, monitoring and early warning system based on the geometric evolution of damage to port infrastructure.
The VIPE project’s main purpose is to improve the service levels of the port and its concessions through the provision of tools with high technological value that support decision-making in port management and operations. The project has a major impact on: (i) infrastructure reliability; (ii) upkeep and maintenance; (iii) design and implementation of maritime and land works; (iv) capacity analysis; (v) investment justification, and (vi) indirect monitoring of concessions and activities in concession areas.
The solution includes three key technologies in satellite radar, artificial intelligence and data management platforms. It can be embedded directly in port IT architectures or posted on existing visualisation and value-added platforms.
The satellite radar technology used in the project is called Differential Interferometry with Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR). This technology describes the historical and current deformations of the terrain and infrastructures on any point on the planet with millimetric precision but does not require ground-based instrumentation.
The project includes building artificial intelligence-based models for vulnerability quantification, early anomaly detection and prioritisation of port infrastructure improvement and maintenance interventions.
COBS
System to identify, alert, locate, trace and keep afloat maritime containers which fall into the sea during transport and make it possible to salvage them.
The Container Overboard System (COBS) provides instant alerts about a container going overboard, identifies which container has been lost and reports its location in real time, enabling containment measures to be taken as soon as possible. It also has a buoyancy system that prevents the container from sinking so that it can be salvaged.
This lessens the impact on the logistics chain, assists with the potential recovery of the cargo and averts the risk of collision with other vessels. It also helps to pinpoint the causes of the incident which, at present, poses enormous difficulties when it comes to defining liability.
The system can be easily fitted to the container and its buoyancy and tracking devices are triggered when the container falls into the sea. COBS is based on how life rafts work but is used instead for assets, in this case, containers.
The system consists of two parts:
- An Alarm and Traceability system which is triggered once the container has fallen overboard; and
- A Buoyancy and Visibility system which stops the container from sinking and means it can be salvaged.
CRYSTAL-LUNG
BARRIER BASED ON CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURES FOR CONTROLLING NOISE AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
This is an innovative project to develop a device to reduce noise and breathable particles. The device will be developed using the technology called “sound crystals”, barriers formed with discontinuous elements known as dispersers which, when combined with a water diffusion system, form a permeable acoustic barrier able to absorb breathable size particles, i.e., PM10, PM2.5 and black carbon.
This solution has a low landscape impact and will generate significant benefits for the health of people living close to the port areas and also for the environment as it is a means of alleviating and reducing two of the most significant sources of pollution in the port setting: noise and dust pollution.
The project’s innovation is based on harnessing the air permeability of this type of screen to fashion a new integrated device with the twofold function of reducing noise and atmospheric pollution.
WINDISOCK
Intrapreneurship Idea Ports 4.0 Fund
The Windisock project consists of the development of a digital windsock for the optimisation of safety in port facilities, especially in adverse weather conditions and bulk handling areas.
This digital system replaces the traditional windsock with a reinforced and connected solution that integrates wind sensors, visual signalling and a digital platform. The system can be powered by solar energy and adapted to the specific needs of each environment by incorporating additional sensors, such as rain gauges, air quality monitors, sirens or information panels.
In addition, its connected digital platform makes it possible to visualise data in real time, store it and apply machine learning techniques to optimise port operations through predictive analytics.
WINDISOCK transforms a traditional element into a smart, robust and connected tool, key to security and efficiency in the ports of the future.
INTRASER
PLATFORM FOR THE DIGITISATION OF ROAD PORT CONTAINER TRANSPORT
Ports 4.0 Fund Commercial Project
The INTRASER project is a digital platform developed to transform container road transport in port environments, connecting freight forwarders and shipping companies with carriers through artificial intelligence algorithms, Big Data and predictive analytics.
The solution includes connection to port systems, TMS integration, automatic routing, traffic management, a flexible pricing engine, and mobile applications for carriers and fleet managers. This reduces empty runs, optimises resources and improves traceability.
AUTOPORT
PORT LOGISTICS AUTOMATION WITH SELF-GUIDED VEHICLES
Ports 4.0 Fund Commercial Project
The AUTOPORT project consists of a technological solution for logistics automation in port environments, based on intelligent Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) capable of handling containers of different sizes and weights, monitored in real time and operated remotely.
The system is integrated into a private 5G network designed for ports, combining digital twin, artificial intelligence and blockchain to optimise routes, improve traceability and facilitate autonomous decision-making.
The validation will be carried out in the Port of Castellón, with a scalable, interoperable and sustainable solution that reduces emissions, improves operational efficiency and reinforces security in highly automated environments.
AUTOPORT represents a key advance in the digital transformation of the port sector, adaptable to any national or international facility.
