New autonomous ITVs will boost operational efficiency at Jebel Ali Port.

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Leading trade enabler, DP World, UAE Region and the autonomous vehicle, robotics and AI specialist DGWorld has entered a contractual agreement to equip Jebel Ali Port with a fleet of Autonomous Internal Terminal Vehicles (AITV´s), including all related integrations in the existing operation processes and infrastructures.

DP World, UAE Region once again manifests its leadership and visionary role by introducing autonomous vehicles and related technologies into their daily operations, which supports their initiatives and strategy of introducing digitalisation and newest technologies as the new global standard for traditional port operations, supply chains and to enable the future of trade.

The contract signed between the two sides states, DGWorld will deliver and integrate their autonomous technology at the existing ITV fleet in multiple phases, with the goal to further increase the overall efficiency of the terminal and reduce the overall size of the currently used fleet, at the same time.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “At DP World, UAE Region, we employ today’s frontline technologies such as robotics, automation, Internet of Things, Big Data, virtual reality and cybersecurity to build and sustain our efficiencies. As a trade enabler, technology has powered and underpinned our capabilities as an essential economic service at a time when the UAE needs us most. Digital technology will continue to drive smart trade for DP World, UAE Region and help us create a better future for all.”

Bilal Al-Zoubi – DGWorld Founder & CEO, added: “We are so proud of the Trust received by DP World as one of leading global Port Operator and smart trade enabler to work under their umbrella to deliver these advanced AI, Robotics & Autonomous Technologies. Following the visionary leadership of DP World and Dubai to be one most advanced & smartest Ports as well as City in the world, we are investing heavily in the best Minds, Practices and Resources to develop those Applications & Technologies to match their operational requirements based on the Highest International Standards and now we are moving stronger to expand our current operations locally and globally with the great support of DP World and Dubai - UAE Government.”

Previous trials of this new technology have shown, that it is capable to unlock new potentials for efficient and economical automation of already existing Container Terminals in combination with the intensive utilization of new AI-based software solutions, which have been integrated by the teams of both parties, jointly.

DP World has recently announced the completion of the early stages of the integration with TradeLens, a blockchain-based digital container logistics platform, jointly developed by AP Moller - Maersk and IBM.

The collaboration between DP World and the TradeLens platform will help accelerate the digitisation of global supply chains. DP World aims to connect all its 82 marine and inland container terminals, as well as feeder companies and logistics divisions with TradeLens.

In 2019 DP World’s terminals handled 71.2 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) containers from around 70,000 vessels.

TradeLens brings together data from the entire global supply chain ecosystem including shippers, port operators and shipping lines. It also aims to modernise manual and paper-based documents, replacing them with blockchain-enabled digital solutions.