Preparation of a Smart Port Indicator and Calculation of a Ranking for the Spanish Port System

Abstract

Nowadays, the denomination of “smart” is associated with several production and management devices and to logistics and distribution, too. Thus, this qualification is used in different application fields. All of them are different and diverse, but the most important common characteristics of these devices or Smart Systems are based on their novel and more efficient way of working. The smart trend is consolidated in the port environment, too. The ports’ need to become more intelligent is modifying their own operations. Therefore, this paper includes an analysis of Spanish Port System, in order to evaluate its ports, considering the new concept called “Smart Port”. Some indicators and measure variables are defined, to allow for quantifying technical items. These items—both quantitative and qualitative ones—which reflect, in the most objective and complete way possible, the adaptation and achievement of characteristics and objectives associated with the Smart Port concept in all ports were studied, in order to obtain an index of Smart Ports that allows us to calculate the ranking of the Spanish Smart Ports. Considering the analysis of the Smart Port concept and its current and future trends, it has been determined that the development of a port must be based on the digitalization, on use of ICT and on automation of port processes.

Linkages between Energy Delivery and Economic Growth from the Point of View of Sustainable Development and Seaports

“…The 'smart port' concept derives from and is fully integrated with the concept of the 'smart city' [63][64][65]. González et al point out that the study presented by Molavi et al ignored one of the pillars of a 'smart port'-the social aspect.…”

“…González et al point out that the study presented by Molavi et al ignored one of the pillars of a 'smart port'-the social aspect. According to some researchers [65], a smart port must be designed for citizens and by citizens, putting them in the centre of the future port. Therefore, a port must be sustainably integrated with the city or the environment, ensuring space that can be used by inhabitants, promoting its relation with the sea and making it possible to make use of it.…”

Smart Mobile Application for Short-Haul Cargo Transportation

“…Using ICT in service systems has been receiving increased interest academically and practically. Since the 2000s, many scholars and practitioners have targeted the potential of using ICT to improve management service systems [9,10]. A service can be defined as the provision of assistance and/or expertise through a supplier-customer interaction to create and add value in business, education, health, government, and personal needs [11].…”

Cloud-Based Virtual Port-Container Terminal Establishment and Operation Analysis

“…The loading capacity is the size of the berth that can accommodate an arriving vessel and the quantity of cargo that can be loaded or unloaded, depending on the size and productivity of the loading and unloading equipment. A port-container terminal's appropriate loading and unloading capabilities are simultaneously considered [2,14].…”

“…To enhance the economic effect of port operations, it is also important to continuously pursue business improvements that can make container terminals more competitive. A competitive container terminal offers a high level of service that expedites the import/export of cargo, thus allowing ships to spend less time at ports [2].…”