PEMA launches AI-focused student challenge

The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) has announced the topic for its 2026/2027 Student Challenge, inviting undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide to explore how artificial intelligence can improve operational decision-making across ports and terminals while enhancing productivity, safety and environmental performance.

Now entering its 13th year, the competition was renamed in 2022 in honour of the late Ottonel Popesco, a former PEMA president. Participation has continued to grow, with the 2025/2026 edition recording its strongest year to date. Four finalist teams represented Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India and KEDGE Business School in France.

Following a webinar in which finalists presented their proposals to a panel of industry experts, the winning entry was selected from the competing teams. The judging panel comprised Pat O’Leary, PEMA head of technology; Lisette Stinis, chief executive of Stinis and Alois Recktenwald, senior key expert at Siemens.

The winning team from Blekinge Institute of Technology was led by captain Praharsh Pulla, alongside Thanu Reddy Pathipati, Kamaleswar Urranki and Sai Naga Krishna Kaushik Nerusu. Their proposal introduced a predictive coordination layer designed to eliminate dead time between ship-to-shore crane movements. A 3D simulator demonstrated how the system could respond to operational disruptions, including late-arriving trucks and sensor failures. The concept also outlined potential reductions in crane waiting times and annual savings through lower idle time.

Building on this success, PEMA has launched the next challenge earlier in the academic year. The 2026/2027 question asks how AI can support operational decisions while increasing productivity, improving safety and reducing environmental impact.

Developed through PEMA’s technical committees, the topic reflects growing industry interest in practical AI applications that balance operational efficiency with safety and sustainability.

Students can submit proposals by Friday 5 February 2027. The challenge offers participants an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to industry experts and contribute ideas towards the future development of port and terminal operations.