In the recent years, the world has seen how Air BnB and Uber has taken over the world with its unique way of doing business. They have shown how platform technology has helped administer complex processes and interactions at an unprecedented speed and scale.

The maritime logistics has not been spared. Technological changes and consumer demands are challenging the way how shipping and logistics traditionally operate. To thrive in the new digital era, companies must embrace technology, in order to connect with multiple consumers and stakeholders at such a large scale.

The ports of tomorrow must be digitally connected so that terminal operators and shipping companies can be empowered to benefit the business, its ecosystem of partners and ultimately, its customers.

One of the major trends is in the increase of consumer expectations. Faster is better in this case. Fueled by aggressive offerings of ‘next-day deliveries’, the logistics supply chain finds itself having to weed out inefficiencies and investing in technologies that can deliver that service promise. From the time containers are checked, loaded and shipped, to the time it is unloaded at the port of choice, there should be real-time tracking data to monitor, analyse and optimise fleet performance. This level of clarity is made possible through the right technology used to forecast and track operations. It reduces delay and minimises unnecessary high costs and frustrated merchants. As such, the overall supply chain demands for solutions that offer accurate traceability through the chain. When speed is of essence, getting containers off ships and onto the next stage of the supply chain in a timely and transparent manner sets the terminal apart from the rest.

As we enter into the next wave of digital development and technology, it becomes apparent that automation plays a key role in realising the future of the container industry.