European Space Agency: Enhancing Port Safety and Efficiency Through Space

Funded participation to ESA Business Applications is open to any company and/or organisation, be it as group of users, public body or non-governmental organisation, residing in any of those states that subscribe to the BASS programme (this includes the UK).

Ports face various challenges, including congestion, infrastructure limitations, safety and security, digitalisation, connectivity and environmental concerns. These challenges can lead to delays, disruptions, and increased costs. Ports worldwide are increasingly implementing policies and strategies that enhance the efficiency, safety and security of their operations, recognising the added value offered by digitalisation and related technologies.

Innovative solutions which enhance marine environment monitoring, improve operational efficiency, and bolster safety and security measures are required. These solutions will rely on seamless connectivity within the port digital ecosystem and will seek to integrate he diverse platforms and vehicles into a cohesive system.

The following topics are examples of relevant themes that could be addressed within this Call for Proposals. Other topics can also be proposed if supported by the user community.

• Port safety: this topic is related to the safety of the terminal personnel during loading and unloading operations as well as the safety of ships throughout their stay in the port. There could also be applications related to emergency responses in the event of safety-threatening situations occurring at the port or for ships approaching the port.
• Port Security: Port security measures are required to protect ports, cargo, and personnel from threats such as terrorism, theft, and vandalism and to ensure international treaties are enforced properly. As ports are large, international hubs with high volumes of shipments, and access to new markets, smuggling remains a challenge, with newer security methods integrating several different systems.
• Port Automation: Autonomous vehicles, such as terminal tractors, are increasingly being used for horizontal transportation to enhance efficiency and safety in container terminals. Equipped with various sensors that utilise sensor fusion, and integrating information from multiple sources, these vehicles can accurately interpret their environment for informed decision-making, even when there is poor visibility or congestion.
• Movement of passengers: Ports serve as crucial points in the transportation system but often face issues with congested infrastructure and limited capacity for expansion. Autonomous vehicles could be implemented in ports for passenger transportation to improve safety, efficiency, and cost savings. Passengers may have the opportunity to use autonomous vehicles to travel from the port premises to nearby airports, terminals or rail stations.
• Movement of Goods: Automation in ports is crucial, resulting in faster and more precise handling of container traffic compared with manually-operated equipment. It enhances control over logistics, with simplified planning and tracking resulting in more predictable and reliable operations. Autonomous vehicles are designed to optimise efficiency, helping to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Satellite technologies and data, integrated with other digital technologies, have a significant role to play in prospective services addressing port-related challenges.

• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enables innovative applications for the tracking and tracing of vehicles and goods through precise positioning, navigation, and timing. It can provide:
  • route optimisation solutions through real-time location data
  • monitoring for fleets of vehicles and goods
  • the navigation of robots, autonomous vehicles and drones,
  • georeferencing and geolocation information
  • data to ensure the accuracy and safety of flight operations.
• Satellite Communication (SatCom) plays a vital role in providing robust and reliable connectivity to support smart port infrastructure, addressing areas currently unserved or underserved by terrestrial communications and also acts as backup to terrestrial connectivity. Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks can ensure reliable connectivity, supporting seamless data transfer and enhancing communication. Ubiquitous connectivity is a key requirement to address the autonomy of equipment and vehicles and it may also support drone operations in the absence of terrestrial communication.
• Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO) is useful for mapping and monitoring environmental conditions such as boundary/feature delineation and change detection. It can also support the development of digital elevation/surface models and topography measurements. SatEO data can complement IoT sensor networks by providing detailed analyses of environmental and geographical conditions over time. Integrating real-time IoT data with historical EO data for specific locations can generate comprehensive insights. Satellite radar data can enable monitoring regardless of weather conditions.
• Digital twins can significantly enhance port safety and efficiency by creating virtual replicas of the port environments. These digital models integrate data from satellite Earth observation, satellite navigation, and satellite communications to provide a comprehensive and dynamic representation of the port. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis of the infrastructure, traffic flows and movements in the port, allowing for predictive insights and optimised decision-making.

ESA offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services. The offer includes:

• zero-equity funding (50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
• technical and commercial guidance
• access to ESA network and partners
• ESA brand credibility

If you would like to find a project partner, or to contact the UK National Delegation, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team.