The value of a digital twin for ports

Improving port design and operations with a digital twin

The digital twin concept is born from the union between the Internet of Things and analytics, such as AI and simulation, and has gained significant traction in industries reliant on complex physical systems and processes. In recent years it’s become a buzzword and caught the attention of those designing and operating ports. Let’s cut through the hype to define a digital twin, explore how it can deliver value, and given some practical advice on how to make it work for you.

A digital twin is an accurate virtual representation of an actual or intended physical object, process, or system. The digital replica can be updated using data from its physical counterpart and other sources and uses machine learning and simulation to help improve planning and decision-making.

Digital twins are already used widely. Airbus Industries developed a digital twin of its giant A380. The twin simulates the aircraft's in-flight behaviour in near-real-time, which has helped engineers to adjust its design to reduce its weight by several tonnes and extend its service life.

Get smart when mooring

The digital twin’s impact on ports is set to be equally profound. A Smart Mooring digital twin in the Port of Rotterdam, warns the operator of unsafe situations for moored ships. The system predicts mooring forces and calculates ship motions days in advance and combines the dynamics of moored vessels with port data and weather forecasts. It results in safer moorings and a lower risk of damage, endearing qualities to the port authority, insurers, and ship owners.

Imagine scaling a digital twin to an entire port – one that provides information for intelligent decision making on the position and performance of individual machines, crane operations, optimising bunkering, improving the flow and volume of container traffic, and more. Such a system will enable operators to reduce their running costs by fine-tuning real-world operations and by objectively simulating and assessing different scenarios. It’s great for screening capital investments too. Management can assess the benefits of a particular infrastructure investment, such as adding new cargo handling equipment, prior to the commitment of a single euro.

Advice on making it work for you

Digital twins are driven by the desire for efficiency and solving problems more intuitively. They address complex things and just like any technology project, good planning is the key to success. What follows, applies to any digital twin project.

1. Identify the problem you want to solve and make sure solving it is aligned with your business strategy. Be value driven not technology driven. The value must be derived from a sound business case. This could be optimising a particular process, reducing downtime, improving productivity, or enhancing safety. Make sure the problem you wish to solve is identified at the outset and that you understand what success looks like. It’s common sense, I know.

2. Map your stakeholders and sponsors. This is vital. Usually there will be different budgets and agendas involved. Identify individual stakeholder needs and expectations and get their commitment upfront. Set clear expectations for what can and cannot be done. Create a shared understanding and use language that meets both maritime and business audiences. Don’t forget to address cyber security.

3. Take baby steps. It is much better to start small than go too far too early, and too fast. Remember that software is expandable and it’s far easier to scale when you are demonstrating value.

4. Select a strategic partner that possesses the skills and experience that you don’t have. They are likely to reveal opportunities you cannot.

5. Identify the right data sources. This may involve collecting data from sensors, machines, or other devices. But select the ones that matter. The data must be accurate, reliable, and most important of all, relevant to the problem being solved. Avoid getting swamped by data. Next, develop the twin, integrate the data, and test and validate the system rigorously. Address any inaccuracies or discrepancies before deployment.

6. Continue to calibrate to improve accuracy. Continuous improvement is vital for ensuring that your digital twin continues to provide value and remains relevant over time.

7. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn fast from any setbacks. Keep moving forward.

As ports become more complex, digital twins offer a way to optimise their design and operations and plan for future scenarios – from mitigating the impact of climate change to installing hydrogen-based fuelling systems.

The digital twin market is growing rapidly. According to a June 2022 report from analyst firm MarketsandMarkets, the global market is forecast to reach $73.5 billion by 2027, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 60.6 percent. This reflects the extraordinary value they can offer businesses.

With digital technology gaining momentum, different approaches have emerged. Some vendors are hardware and software-led, others asset and software-based. There’s also a host of niche applications and players. Yet regardless of the approach, it’s important to remember that success in the virtual world is dependent on the value delivered in the real one. Don’t forget that.

This article was originally published in Port Technology.?