Takeaways from the ALICE – Port of Barcelona Meeting: Integrating 5G and AI in Port Operations

Thursday, February 13th, 2025

On February 5, 2025, ALICE and the Port of Barcelona hosted a high-profile webinar on integrating 5G and AI to improve efficiency, sustainability, and security in port operations. The session, led by Javier Garrido Salsas, key researcher at the Innovation Department of the Port of Barcelona, moderated by Giuseppe Luppino (TG3 Programme Manager) and David Ciprés (ITAINNOVA, TG3 vice-chair in charge of DT), brought together key stakeholders from the logistics and digital transformation sectors.

5G and AI: driving the digital transformation of ports

The Port of Barcelona, since years at the forefront of implementing smart logistics solutions, is implementing 5G technology to create a hybrid network that enhances connectivity and operational efficiency, optimizing the real-time vessel positioning, making information flow more efficient, monitoring the port security and in general enhance operational efficiency, and improve sustainability. In this context, the integration of 5G hybrid networks and AI-powered applications is shaping the future of port management by enabling real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automated operations.

Key highlights of the discussion

Efficiency: AI-powered logistics and 5G connectivity

Real-time container tracking: AI-powered predictive analytics and IoT sensors can improve visibility in cargo movement.
Automated port operations: 5G facilitates the deployment of autonomous vehicles and robotic cranes, reducing operational delays.
Optimized freight management: AI-driven route planning can enhance supply chain efficiency, minimizing delays and costs.

Sustainability: reducing emissions through smart technology

AI-based energy management: The Port of Barcelona aims to lower carbon emissions by using AI to optimize energy consumption and vessel movements.
Green transport corridors: AI-driven data analysis helps streamline intermodal logistics, ensuring smoother connections between rail, road, and water transport.
5G-enabled smart grids: Enhancing power efficiency by ensuring sustainable energy use for port operations.

Security: enhancing safety with AI-powered surveillance

AI-driven anomaly detection: Advanced AI models can identify suspicious activities and improve incident response times.
5G-powered real-time monitoring: Ensures instant data transmission between port authorities and security teams.
Cybersecurity advancements: AI strengthens protection against cyber threats, a growing concern in the digitalization of logistics.

The road ahead for AI and 5G in port operations

The Port of Barcelona’s commitment to digital transformation aligns with the broader EU agenda for smart and sustainable logistics. By adopting AI and 5G, the port is setting new industry benchmarks for operational efficiency, security, and environmental responsibility.

As digitalization accelerates in port operations, ongoing collaboration between technology providers, logistics companies, and policymakers will be essential to ensure seamless, data-driven freight operations. This webinar underscored the importance of intermodal transport innovation in strengthening Europe’s leadership in smart logistics.

Call for AI & DT use cases is still open

The submission for AI and Digital Twin (DT) use cases is still open! Members are encouraged to share their contributions by submitting use cases to ALICE representatives. If you have relevant use cases or projects, please send them to Giuseppe Luppino (giuseppe.luppino@etp-alice.eu) and Pablo Segura Yus (pablo.segura@etp-alice.eu). You could be the next speaker!

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