Improving port efficiency with the multimodal node Digital Twin: insights from the MultiRELOAD project

Friday, January 3rd, 2025

Efficient and sustainable port management is essential in today’s interconnected logistics landscape. However, ports face challenges such as siloed data, inefficiencies in resource allocation and increasing environmental concerns. Addressing these needs, the Multimodal Node Digital Twin (DT) from the MultiRELOAD project, offers a solution. This advanced platform consolidates real-time and historical data into a central hub, enabling ports to optimise operations, improve decision-making, and reduce environmental impact. The DT is designed to streamline daily operations, monitor environmental factors, and provide predictive insights, meeting the growing demand for smarter, more sustainable port logistics.

What is the Multimodal Node Digital Twin?

The Digital Twin platform serves as a centralized support system for port management, offering a comprehensive view of relevant operational and environmental data. By integrating information from sensors, port systems, and external sources, it facilitates decision-making by providing real-time analytics and predictive tools. This solution enables:

Monitoring port activity: Provides current and historical information to manage vessel movements, track environmental indicators, and analyse port operations.
Improving planning and resource allocation: Analytical tools and simulations optimize key processes such as berth allocation and intermodal management.
Advancing environmental sustainability: Integrates tools to monitor and report environmental impact, helping ports comply with regulatory standards.

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Key features and benefits

Centralised data repository: The platform consolidates data from multiple sources, enabling seamless integration across port operations. Users benefit from a unified view, whether managing berthing schedules or tracking environmental performance.
AI-enhanced predictive analytics: By applying Big Data and AI-driven simulations, ports can forecast scenarios, optimise resource allocation, and improve operational efficiency.
Scalable and modular design: Designed for adaptability, the platform grows with the port’s evolving needs, allowing additional features and services to be easily integrated.
Real-time alerts and notifications: Customisable, rule-based alerts keep users informed of key events, enabling proactive responses to potential disruptions.
Environmental monitoring: Satellite imagery and sensor data provide insights into air and water quality, enabling sustainable port operations and compliance with environmental standards.

Practical applications

Deployed in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Port of Duisport, the DT has demonstrated its potential to deliver operational and environmental management change:

Berth allocation optimisation: Reducing waiting times and emissions by matching vessel arrivals with available berth space.
Modal shift promotion: Improving coordination between inland waterways and rail to support sustainable freight solutions.
CO₂ emission reduction: Minimising fossil fuel consumption through improved planning and operational transparency.

The Multimodal Node Digital Twin illustrates the potential of digitalisation in port logistics. By improving transparency, efficiency and environmental performance, the platform not only addresses operational challenges but also contributes to the EU’s climate goals.

ALICE is part of the MultiRELOAD project, which highlights the role of collaboration and innovation in achieving a sustainable logistics sector. As digital twins become increasingly important, we invite stakeholders to explore how these technologies can improve port operations and beyond.

About MultiRELOAD project

The EU-funded project MultiRELOAD enhances multimodal freight transport by improving efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration at inland terminals. Targeting a 5% modal shift to rail and waterways and a 20% capacity boost by 2025, it leverages digitalisation, automation, and innovative models to align with the EU’s Smart Mobility Strategy.

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