New digital solutions aimed at optimising maritime travel and port call: Project MISSION

Project leader

The project has been coordinated by the University of Southern Denmark and has involved the ValenciaPort Foundation (focused on work package 5) among other entities. The project is supported by Horizon Europe.

Description of the project

The MISSION (Maritime Just in Time Optimization Interoperable Port Call and Voyage Optimization Tool Project) is an innovative initiative that seeks to improve interoperability and sustainability in port infrastructure.

At present, port operational processes lack adequate standardization. For this reason, the main purpose of this digital transformation initiative is to facilitate greater interoperability between the various port management platforms, which will result in more agile and efficient decision-making.

The MISSION project is focused on the development of digital tools to share information between the agents involved such as shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities and service providers, among others, improving the situational awareness of searchers. These solutions will make it possible to optimize the synchronization of vessel entry and exit times, which will result in better planning and execution of logistics activities such as the loading and unloading of goods. In addition, this approach seeks to reduce fuel consumption during the approach, anchoring and departure manoeuvres of ships from the port.

In addition, MISSION will drive the development of more accurate predictive models through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics. These advances will improve the reliability of predictions on ship arrivals, operations and departures, thus contributing to a more efficient and sustainable management of ports.

The Valenciaport Foundation participates in the MISSION project together with relevant companies in the cluster such as COSCO Shipping Lines and the Ership group, which will involve the solid bulk terminal of the Port of Valencia, TEMAGRA. In addition, the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the international association Terminal Industry Committee are also participating in the project.

The project, supported by Horizon Europe, has a budget of close to ten million euros. Its execution period will be from January 2024 to 2027.

Objectives of the project

The main objectives of the project are to improve the efficiency of maritime traffic and port operations through innovative digital solutions. This initiative seeks to facilitate communication between various actors within the port system, through digital tools that optimize the coordination and planning of activities.

The main focus is on achieving a more effective synchronization of vessel entry and exit times, with the purpose of streamlining logistics operations. The project also aims to reduce fuel consumption during manoeuvres, thus contributing to environmental sustainability. Together, these objectives seek to positively transform the maritime and port landscape, generating benefits both in terms of operational efficiency and environmental impact.