News in brief: Q1 2026: Digital
A round up of Port Strategy January – March 2026 issue’s Digital news.
ADP BigBear.ai Deal
Maqta Technologies, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, is working with the UAE business of BigBear.ai, a US-based AI company specialising in national security and border operations, to research, design, test and deploy systems covering customs management, border control and cross-border trade. The partnership is also targeting commercial opportunities outside of the UAE and US working with governments, customs agencies, ports and trade stakeholders.
Portwise Acquired
Haskoning has acquired Portwise, the Netherlands-based specialists in port planning and simulation. The combined entity will be offering data-driven decision-making across the lifecycle of port assets. “Digitalisation, shifting trade patterns and sustainability requirements for ports and terminals are increasing the need for advanced simulation and data-driven decision-making,” explained Marije Hulshof, CEO, Haskoning.
Inland Transformation
Circle S.p.A. (CIRCLE) has launched a €1.5 million (US$1.8 million) project to digitally transform inland terminals in Southern Europe through the gradual adoption of the MILOS® platform. The Terminal Operating System and Gate Operating System modules, developed by Circle and its subsidiary eXyond, respectively, along with the SESAMO module from its partner Aitek, are all being introduced.
DETANGLE Launched
The DETANGLE cybersecurity project has commenced, to h]elp critical EU sectors navigate complex cybersecurity rules. The initiative includes Fundación Valenciaport and is targeting implementation of the NIS2 Directive (risk management, incident reporting, supply chain security). The project has a budget of €7 million ($8.1 million), co-funded by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC).
iPORTUS is Go
The iPORTUS research project is officially live. Launched by Hamburg Port Authority, together with the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services and Kongsberg Maritime Germany GmbH, the initiative is aiming to ensure the safe integration of semi-autonomous and remotely monitored, low-emission waterborne vehicles (Autonomous Surface Vessels, ASVs) in port environments. Funding of €1.7 million (US$1.47 million) is from the German Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV).
Contship joins DCSA+
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has confirmed that Contship has joined DCSA+, representing the first terminal operator partner involved in the project. Contship states it will be contributing to the development of common digital standards that reduce data exchange fragmentation and supporting more consistent, reliable services for customers and data consistency as practical enablers of efficiency, resilience and transparency across supply chains.
CM Labs Acquires
CM Labs Simulations, a leader in simulation-based training for heavy equipment operations, has acquired GlobalSim, a US-based developer of advanced training simulators. The deal expands the US presence of CM Labs by adding GlobalSim’s Utah location. “This is a natural evolution for two organisations that have decades of proven safety, precision, and performance outcomes in port operations,” emphasises Robert Weldon, CEO, CM Labs.
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