Ports: always another challenge to pursue, TBA

Speaking exclusively to PS at the event, Yvo Saanen said that there will always be further challenges to pursue, such as improved and more environmentally-friendly technology.

This continual progression will also driven by competition: “If one operator in a certain port decides to automate or embrace different tech that makes their operation faster and less costly, others have to follow,” he said. “I hope that will bring more tech into this industry.”

Mr Saanen highlighted an opportunity in digitalisation: “It is all around you, it’s a big hype and people are thinking: ‘what shall I do with it? How can I embrace this technology? How can I get full use out of it? What is going to happen if I don’t?’

“There is a lot of fear to ensure you get the most out of it, without really knowing what the investment in this new technology is going to bring.”

He added that there is currently a great deal of experimentation and “scraping the surface” of digitalisation, presenting “a great challenge” to the ports and terminals sector.