Awake.AI, a technology company from Finland, has developed a “Smart Port as a Service” platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing.

Maritime transportation plays a crucial role in global trade, with almost 90% of international trade relying on this sector, as reported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Around 70% of this figure involves short-distance transportation, highlighting the importance of operational efficiency in ports. In the Central Baltic Sea region, maritime trade volume is projected to increase by up to 60% by 2030 under maximum growth scenarios. With port congestion already a concern, this expected growth has encouraged maritime authorities in the region to focus on digitalization, sustainability, and operational safety as part of a more efficient global supply chain.

Awake.AI, a Finnish technology company, developed the “Smart Port as a Service” platform, powered by AI, IoT, and edge computing. This technology optimizes port operations by converting operational data into information that enables time and energy savings. Through the integration of sensor technology and machine learning, the platform monitors the flow of vessels and cargo in real-time, facilitating automatic adjustments to operational conditions. One big advantage of this approach is that it reduces ship waiting times, a major challenge in modern port operations.

Awake.AI introduces a “digital twin” as a simulation tool, allowing ports to model and predict operational changes without altering physical infrastructure.

Based on reports from dealroom.co, Awake.ai currently has 4 investors, namely Astralab, ESA BIC Finland, Maria 01, Plug and Play. While the amount of funding is not stated, based on this same report, the company is in hypergrowth stage with sales growth of over 100% in 2021 (196%) and 2022 (113%). 

In a case study at the Port of Rotterdam, Awake.AI introduced the digital twin as a simulation tool enabling the port to model and predict operational changes without altering physical infrastructure. This data-based simulation helped the port managers analyze operational impacts with lower risk. The digital twin is also expected to improve safety and energy efficiency, projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 10% by 2030.

In Europe, ports like Gothenburg are also investing in digital infrastructure and alternative fuels through the €60 million “Green Connection” program. A key component of this program is the Digital Port Call developed by Awake.AI, a system that facilitates real-time coordination of docking and departure times. This system enables AI-based Just-In-Time (JIT) planning that supports real-time collaboration between port stakeholders, providing early warnings on potential operational issues. By using Digital Port Call, the Port of Gothenburg is hoping to reduce 500 docking hours and 250 berthing hours per year, and cut CO2 emissions by up to 1,000 tons annually. These savings applied across global ports by Awake.AI and others in the space could quickly add up and have a material impact on emissions. 

References:

https://www.awake.ai/post/the-path-to-smart-ports

https://www.awake.ai/post/digital-port-calls-to-reduce-1000-tons-of-co2-emissions-annually-at-the-port-of-gothenburg

https://www.awake.ai/post/awake-ai-and-intel-introduce-high-tech-port-monitoring-solution

https://impact.dealroom.co/companies/awake_ai/

de Andres Gonzalez, O., Koivisto, H., Mustonen, J. M., & Keinänen-Toivola, M. M. (2021). Digitalization in just-in-time approach as a sustainable solution for maritime logistics in the baltic sea region. Sustainability, 13(3), 1173. 

Contributor : Masyita Deta Rahadiani
Reviewer : Imam Buchari