Felixstowe secures digital twin funding

The funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will be used to create a smart digital twin at the Port of Felixstowe on England’s east coast capable of optimising vessels arrivals and berthing.

“Like all UK ports we are actively exploring ways to decarbonise our operation and provide better services for our customers,” said Sarah West, chief executive at Harwich Haven Authority.

“The implementation of digital twin technology will also significantly impact GHG emissions through a reduction in fuel use.”

A collaboration between Haven, Entropy, the port and towage operator Svitzer, the planned feasibility study will run until March 2025.

The study will combine AI micromodels and real-time data to predict berthing constraints and inform mitigation strategies. It will also explore using this intelligence to support ‘just-in-time arrivals’ helping reduce GHG emissions.

“We are delighted to be working with such an innovative and forward-thinking partner in Harwich haven Authority and are confident in our collective expertise to drive real impact through the application of advanced technology,” said Toby Mills, chief executive at Entopy.

These digital technology applications are being hailed as the result of the growing Harwich Innovation Cluster, part of Freeport East.

“With Freeport East having first engaged with Entopy in late 2022 to support their growth journey, we are particularly excited to see them now deploying their digital twin expertise in the heart of our local geography,” said Steve Beel, chief executive at Freeport East.