We spoke with Francisco Toledo, director of the Smarts Ports chair and former president of Puertos del Estado, about the future of Spanish ports. New technologies, modernization, and the influence that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on the day-to-day operations.
From the outset, Toledo emphasizes that AI must be the foundation around which everything previously discussed revolves. “The implementation of AI in port logistics is generating significant improvements in operational efficiency globally. For example, the Port of Los Angeles has reported a 20% reduction in vessel docking wait times thanks to the use of AI-based systems that optimize scheduling and dock allocation,” commented Toledo, adding that “an improvement in efficiency and a reduction in manual tasks are expected, along with the anticipated need to develop new skills.” However, he made it clear that the introduction of AI in ports can also have its downsides. “Workers will have to adapt to new technologies and acquire competencies in data analysis, programming, and automated system management,” emphasizing that this is no different from what has happened before when new work methods or systems were implemented.
The director of the Smarts Ports chair concluded his argument on AI by pointing to “the dependence on technological systems that may be vulnerable to failures or cyberattacks” as the main problem or disadvantage that its introduction in ports may entail.
The definition of a smart port was also a key topic in the interview with Toledo, as he sought to clarify and refine this concept. “It not only refers to the technological modernization of ports but also to their ability to adapt to the needs of global trade, which increasingly demands greater speed, precision, and sustainability. We could say that a smart port not only maximizes operational efficiency but also promotes sustainability and economic development.” Toledo adds that a “key element of a smart port is that it incorporates, both in management and in the operations of the port community and its value chain, various technologies to manage more than just data or knowledge. It uses advanced technologies to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.”
However, there is still a long way to go before smart ports are consolidated and implemented in Spain. In fact, some ports like Barcelona, Valencia, or Algeciras have already adopted innovative technologies to optimize their operations. “Spanish ports are on the right track toward digital transformation and the adoption of smart technologies, but there is still work to be done to ensure uniform implementation across all infrastructures and progress toward a fully synchromodal model, where ports are perfectly integrated with other transport and logistics nodes.” The director of the Smart Ports chair also highlighted the significant advances Spanish ports are making by embracing renewable energy and sustainability. In this regard, Toledo emphasized the efforts of Castellón to position its port as a hub for clean and alternative energy.
Despite these advances, “there are still challenges for Spanish ports to be considered truly smart ports, as there are still challenges related to the interoperability of their digital systems and integration with global supply chains.”
Lastly, Toledo wanted to address another fundamental pillar in this process: sustainability, which is key to global competitiveness. “All Spanish ports are committed to decarbonization through the electrification of docks, allowing ships to turn off their auxiliary engines while docked, significantly reducing emissions. In this regard, the progress of Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands stands out. Renewable energy projects are also being promoted, such as the installation of solar panels and wind turbines within port facilities.”
This sustainability pillar would not be complete without another aspect highlighted by Toledo: the modernization of infrastructure through investments in building smarter and more connected terminals. “Inter-port collaborations play a key role in the digital transformation of ports, as they enable the sharing of best practices, resource optimization, and the accelerated implementation of innovative technologies across the entire port system. This field, where there is so much to do, discover, and innovate, is the ideal scenario to promote collaboration, as all those who engage in it stand to benefit.” As Toledo himself pointed out, advanced technologies are enabling route optimization, reduced energy consumption, and lower emissions of polluting gases.
