Market Definition
Digital transformation is one of the solutions driving the ports to adopt advanced technologies in the maritime industry to reduce operational costs, reduce human errors, collect real-time data, & make data-driven decisions. Port automation improvises port infrastructure, techniques to handle large cargo amounts, ensure security & safety, manage container traffic, and reduce carbon emissions. This automated infrastructure provides highly reliable solutions & enhanced performance of port operations with a wide range of applications.
Market Insights
The UAE Port Automation Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 18% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-27. Port automation uses cohesive technology to generate smart solutions for well-organized control of container traffic & trade flows on the port and, in turn, increase port capacity & efficiency. Automated ports that are more efficient than conventional ones help minimize human errors and enhance the port performance.
The growing complexity of port operations in the UAE has caused extensive diversification & intensification in the infrastructure and technology of ports. Accordingly, ports in the UAE are integrating more technological & automated solutions like robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT, etc., to increase productivity. The adoption of digital technology has made ports more automated, with a connected supply chain & limited workforce to carry out operations. As a result, various investments are taking place in port automation to enhance the efficiency of seaports. For example:
| Report Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | Historical Data: 2017-20 |
| Base Year: 2021 | |
| Forecast Period: 2022-27 | |
| CAGR (2022-2027) | 18% |
| Region Covered | Dubai, Abu Dhabi & AI Ain, Sharjah & Northern Emirates |
| Key Companies Profiled | DHI, Microsoft, Accenture, TBA Group, Navis, Royal Haskoning, Wipro, IBM, Kalmar, TCS |
| Unit Denominations | USD Million/Billion |
In addition, the government-owned & privately-owned port companies are collaborating with IT solutions providers to boost operational efficiency and provide solutions for continuous & smooth operations of cranes, vehicles, containers, Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTVs), etc. These port automation systems transfer large amounts of data to the port control center and help personnel proactively report & resolve operational problems in real-time.
Impact of Covid-19 on the UAE Port Automation Market
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 impacted the global trade flows. However, essential goods & medical items during the pandemic were made extensively available with the help of the efficient supply chain in the UAE. Moreover, the pandemic established the significance for ports to adopt digital transformation since the lockdown negatively impacted ocean freight volumes, which, in turn, boosted the need for developing efficiencies to stay competitive. Furthermore, the increased focus of port authorities on streamlining their operations, and a secured movement of containers & cargo, is projected to boost the adoption of new technologies in ports. In order to combat the pandemic, the country also increased investments in the development of ports & its logistics sectors to enhance the trade routes and, in turn, immunize its efforts against the crisis.
Additionally, in 2021, Dubai Customs further enhanced the digital transformation to government organizations by implementing Entry/Exit Certificate Automation at seaports. This initiative helped customers submit their claims after the departure of export and cargo without submitting the physical papers. The implementation of the automation enhanced the operational efficiency of ports while supporting Smart Dubai’s Paperless Strategy. Hence, ports assisted in providing goods & medicines to customers by implementing digital transformations without any operational delays.
