Ports of Halifax and Hamburg collaborate for increased innovation
In a bid to foster technological advancements in the maritime and digital realm, the Port of Hamburg and Port of Halifax have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration. This innovative project, conceived within Canada's Smart Ports Program, was spearheaded by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster – an innovative partnership initiated by the Canadian government that brings together industry and research representatives to drive progress in maritime and digital technology.
Background
The Smart Ports Program, launched in Canada in 2021, aims to digitalise and make sustainable Hafen- und Logistikinfrastrukturen (Hafen and logistics infrastructures). As one of the leading Smart Ports worldwide, the Hamburg Port Authority was sought out for international partnerships.
Key Players
- Canada’s Ocean Supercluster: Co-funded and coordinated the project.
- Port of Halifax and Hamburg Port Authority: Were the participating ports.
- Research Partners: Included academic and industrial partners from Canada and Germany.
- Canadian Government: Supported the program as part of their innovation strategy.
The Innovation Platform
This open innovation platform was designed to promote the exchange of technological knowledge between ports, particularly on topics such as Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies, and sustainability. Projects encompass the optimisation of port technologies, sensorics, autonomous systems, and green logistics.
Autonomous Trucks and the Port of Hamburg
While autonomous trucks are being tested in operation at a terminal in Tallinn, no information is available regarding their connection to the Port of Hamburg.
Conclusion
Responsible for the conception and implementation of this initiative was not an individual, but a network of Canadian and German actors – particularly the ports themselves, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, and the Canadian government. This initiative is part of a strategy for the internationalisation of innovation funding in the maritime sector.
For more details, we recommend consulting the official press releases from Port of Halifax, Hamburg Port Authority, and Canada’s Ocean Supercluster from 2021–2023. Regrettably, no evidence of a single "inventor" can be found – the idea emerged from an institutionalised cooperation.
