General cargo terminals are complex hubs that manage a wide variety of assets, including physical infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, technologies, and human resources. These assets work together to ensure efficient operations, safe handling, and timely movement of diverse cargo types. The infrastructure encompasses vessel berths, warehouses, storage facilities, and specialised areas for specific goods, while equipment like cranes and conveyors facilitate cargo handling. Vehicles, terminal operating systems, and security technologies further support these operations.
However, the level of digitisation and digitalisation varies significantly across terminals. While some have embraced advanced digital tools and automation to enhance efficiency and transparency, others remain reliant on manual processes, highlighting a broad spectrum of technological adoption within the industry. General cargo terminals encompass a range of assets. This includes the physical infrastructure, equipment, terminal vehicles, technologies, and human resources.
The core assets of a general cargo terminal include:
What is the status of digitisation and digitalisation in general cargo terminals today?
Ports and terminals are increasingly digitising and digitalising as they seek to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce costs. Digital tools and solutions enable workflows to be connected, drive transparency on the movement of goods, and provide visibility among stakeholders. Often, the terms digitisation, digitalisation, and digital transformation are used interchangeably, but they mean very different things.
Digitisation
Refers to the conversion of an analogue format into a digital one. For example, paper-based logbooks or bills of lading that are now filled in digitally via a computer or mobile device have been digitised.
Digitalisation
Digital technology is used to transform business processes, products, and services. Big data is often deployed to enable real-time decision-making, and processes and operations are automated to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Digital Connectivity
Refers to the connectivity present within a port or terminal that enables data exchange. Technologies such as port community systems, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), or cargo tracking allow data to be seamlessly transferred between ship and shore, facilitating stakeholder-wide transparency and real-time decision-making.
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation implies a strategic shift in the way the port or terminal operates. A range of digital technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and many others are deployed to improve business performance and sustainability. For an organisation to digitally transform, it must have the support of its people. True digital transformation requires a cultural change. Individuals embrace new technologies and the opportunities they bring, understanding that they are there to help rather than replace them.
While some mixed cargo and bulk terminals are pursuing a digital transformation, others have yet to even digitise their operations. Some are using IoT, autonomous drones, sensors, simulation, augmented and virtual reality, digital twins, or have deployed automated gate systems or terminal operating systems (TOS) to improve the efficiency of their operations, while others are still very much relying on manual record keeping and paper-based processes. This is unlike the container segment, which has seen a wide-scale deployment of digital technologies to track and monitor the movement of cargo in real time and automate many processes.
General cargo terminals are vital assets within the shipping industry, encompassing a range of infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, technologies, and human resources. While the digitisation and digitalisation of these terminals are progressing, the extent varies significantly across the sector. Advancements in digital tools and systems are enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and transparency, yet a comprehensive digital transformation remains uneven. As the industry evolves, embracing these technological changes will be crucial for optimising terminal operations and sustaining global trade.
For a more detailed understanding and exploration of the topics covered in this article, refer to our report, commissioned by Kaleris. Gateways of Tomorrow: Exploring the business value of digital transformation for general cargo terminals. You can download the full report below:
