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Description
Ports as transport nodes and as locations for logistics, manufacturing and waste operation activities will be affected by the transition towards Circular Economy (CE). Ports handle huge volumes of non-renewable primary resources and waste. The trend towards CE will likely lead to a decline in these volumes [5]. The majority of non-fossil imports and exports furthermore consist of products in linear supply chains, and these flows will be impacted as well, especially when supply chains move from current globalized and linear structures to more localized and circular ones. The CE transition also offers an opportunity for ports to diversify into CE activities as alternative lines of business.
The project DiCiMa - Digitalisation and Circularity for Maritime as-built information aims to develop a Solution-as-a-Service, to optimize the data creation, data interoperability and data reuse based on a circular structure. The Solution is particularly focused on the domains of waste and cargo data management at maritime ports, where there is a shared large economic and environmental impact.
The project will involve Geomodel – 3D Modelling Studio, a company that develops products and solutions for the three-dimensional scanning of the physical environment, intelligent modelling, and spatial data analysis. Also, LNEC will be involved. The knowledge of LNEC researchers will give support to the main tasks in the scope of the project, related with the characterization, validation and development of the conditions to promote the accreditation of the measurement method in its most relevant parts, namely, physical, computational and operational.
AT1 – Metric for Circularity on Port Environment Applied to waste and bulk Cargo
AT2 – Data enrichment: Classification, Prediction and Visualization
AT3 – Measurement validation and support for accreditation by LNEC
AT4 – Project Management and Communication
Summary of project results
The DiCiMa project was launched to address significant challenges in port operations. Ports handle large volumes of
resources and waste, and the shift towards a circular economy required changes to make supply chains more localized
and sustainable. Traditional port data systems were fragmented and relied heavily on manual processes, leading to
inefficiencies and errors. The project aimed to develop innovative data management solutions to improve accuracy
and efficiency in port operations.
To achieve this, we implemented real-time data collection systems using advanced sensors and monitoring devices.
We developed a comprehensive data integration process that consolidated data from various sources and established
protocols for data interoperability. This ensured seamless data exchange across different systems, significantly
improving the accuracy and reliability of the data used in port operations.
We also created and validated new measurement methods using AI. Extensive testing and validation were conducted
in collaboration with LNEC to ensure compliance with international standards. Additionally, we developed point cloud
data visualizations for detailed mapping of port environments, which enhanced the precision of our measurements
and data analysis.
The project delivered significant improvements in port operations. Real-time data collection and advanced analytics
reduced errors and improved decision-making. The integration platform allowed for seamless use of data from
different sources, which streamlined port operations and increased efficiency in handling cargo and waste
management. Improved waste management practices contributed to a reduced environmental impact, while
enhanced data on carbon emissions supported planning and implementing reduction strategies.
The economic impact of the project was notable. Ports saved costs by optimizing operations and reducing inefficiencies. Improved data management supported better resource allocation and operational planning, contributing to overall economic resilience. The project also helped ports increase their waste recycling rates and
reduce data processing time through automated systems.
The DiCiMa project is significant because it sets a foundation for smarter, more sustainable port operations. By improving data management, the project has made ports more efficient, reduced their environmental footprint, and supported the transition to a circular economy. The solutions developed can be scaled to other ports, amplifying the
project''s impact, and the methodologies and systems established provide a model for similar initiatives globally. The success of the DiCiMa project highlights the importance of innovation and technology in addressing complex challenges in port operations, demonstrating how smart solutions can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability.