Geospatial data aids transport challenges

The three-month SpacePort feasibility project has concluded that a novel geo-spatial data platform with associated technologies and data-enabled solutions can significantly streamline port operations and improve efficiency, while addressing decarbonisation and emissions reduction challenges.

This project brought together marine sector specialist MSE International, Connected Places Catapult – the UK innovation accelerator for cities, transport and places, Portsmouth International Port and Portico, which operates two deep-water cargo berths at the port.

Jonathan Williams, CEO of MSE International, said: “The SpacePort project has successfully identified the port operation requirements of Portsmouth International Port and has assessed and shortlisted the geo-spatial positioning and communication technologies that would enable the port to address issues such as bottlenecks which cause delays and contribute significantly to traffic congestion and emissions in port cities.”

Practical application

SpacePort’s feasibility study has successfully developed the geo-spatial data-platform system architecture required for realising many applications including the six use case scenarios identified by the project team including: port flow optimisation; container stacking/positioning optimisation; delays early warning system; traffic management around the local consolidation centre; first/last mile optimisation and port safety strategy.

The project has successfully concluded that the SpacePort concept can exploit geo-spatial data to offer: Just-in-Time freight delivery and collection from the port with prior custom documentation checks; forecasting of vessel and truck ETAs; optimisation of first and last mile logistics and sufficient value-add to offset the local consolidation centre costs.

Phase two of the project will see the team implement and operate a pilot of the SpacePort system.

SpacePort was funded by the Geospatial Commission and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.