MSC, Port of Valencia Trial IoT Network

Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has teamed up with the Port of Valencia, Spain, on a pilot Internet-of-Things (IoT) project, led by Traxens, a developer of a global solution for monitoring and coordinating multimodal transport.

Specifically, Traxens is working with MSC Terminal Valencia and the Port Authority at the Port of Valencia, and Fundacion Valenciaport (FVP).

The trial project, launched in September 2018, is aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the port due to easy monitoring of on-site road activity, improved fleet management as well as pre- and post-carriage management.

As part of the pilot project, MSC Spain trucks have been equipped with Traxens’ IoT devices, allowing for near real-time tracking of movement of vehicles. This can help port authorities to predict and manage potential congestions, as well as to anticipate truck arrivals at the gates.

Traxens has installed a gateway in the MSC Terminal to allow enhanced and secured connectivity. It will also provide access to its big data analytics platform, TraxensHub, via APIs, bringing enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities for port authorities.

“Our pilot project at the Port of Valencia is one of the first applications of an IoT system in a port environment and we are eagerly awaiting results,” said Jacques Delort, managing director of Traxens, stressing that big data is the future of the shipping industry.

“We have already used IoT devices by Traxens for tracking our containers and we believe that the functionality can really help port authorities in improving operations. This could bring benefits to all parties,” said Jaime Lopez, Intermodal Project Leader, MSC Spain.

“The Port of Valencia believes in the role of innovation and digitalization for the future of shipping ports, for example by using the PCS (Port Community Systems) integration platform. We are delighted to provide a trial site for Traxens, which could eventually result in the improvement of operations for the whole of the shipping industry,” said Miguel Llop, Director of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), from the Fundacion Valenciaport.

Traxens aims to extend its solution to other terminals within the Port of Valencia, by deploying additional gateways.

Port of Valencia Calls for Bids for New Terminal

The Port Authority of Valencia has called a public tender for the construction and operation of the new terminal at the Port of Valencia.

As World Maritime News reported earlier, the port has set sights on building a container terminal capable of handling ultra large containerships of up to 24,000 TEU. The initiative is in line with the anticipated container traffic growth at the port of Valencia by 2050.

The greenfield development is suitable for the concept of an automated terminal, as the port insists the terminal would have to be equipped with the latest technology for sustainable operations.

The quay would be granted under a concession of 35 years for partial concession occupancy bids, with the possibility of extension up to 50 years. Another option is a 50-year long concession for bids that envisage full occupation of the quay and the adjacent area necessary for the proposed terminal.

The terminal must cover a minimum of 800 m. of berthing line and 49 hectares, and has to be at least semi-automated.

The future concession holder will be provided with a berthing line of up to 1,970 m long with a draft of 20 metres alongside and throughout the dock, an adjacent compacted yard of some 137 hectares, as well as a maritime access channel with a draft of 22.50 m.

Those interested in submitting their bids may do so until May 8, 2019. The contract for construction of the terminal is expected to be awarded in July 2019.

The facility would be the fourth terminal at the port in addition to Noatum Terminal, MSC Valencia Terminal and APM Terminals.