Associated British Ports, Wärtsilä sign deal to digitalise port operations
Wärtsilä Voyage, part of the technology group Wärtsilä, has signed a contract for a five-year framework agreement with Associated British Ports (ABP).
The deal signed with ABP, one of the UK's leading port groups, will digitalise operations at its 21 ports.
The project aims to accelerate the digital transformation of port calls and operations, making them as efficient, sustainable and safe as possible.
The Wärtsilä Voyage technologies chosen for the project include Navi-Port, Navi-Harbour Vessel Traffic Services, and Port Management Information System (PMIS).
Sean Fernback, President, Wärtsilä Voyage commented: “ABP truly understands how impactful technology can be in the maritime industry and it's innovative approach has cemented its position as the UK's leading ports group. This new agreement will help ABP maintain its competitive advantage now and into the future.”
The project, which began in June, will span multiple phases across all of ABP's ports.
Wärtsilä's Vessel Traffic Services system and Port Management Information System are expected to be integrated into the Port of Southampton before April 2023, with other solutions subsequently being deployed across ABP's other 20 ports.
The agreement with ABP includes an ongoing human factor review to ensure the existing control room environment is optimised for people's needs and is fully compliant with all national and international standards and guidelines.
Harm Van Weezel, Chief Information Officer at ABP said: “We are delighted to be working with Wärtsilä on a programme that really delivers towards our vision of a modern, digital port.
“Wärtsilä's approach – forming a deep and long-term partnership that is mutually beneficial to both organisations – really stood out to everyone at ABP. We are looking forward to the vast benefits this programme will bring.”
Earlier this year ABP awarded a long-term lease to Maritime Transport to operate Hams Hall, one of the UK's busiest rail freight terminals.