As part of its ongoing digital transformation drive, Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP) has launched the Smart Container Initiative that will house its digital solutions in a resilient, safe and optimised eco-friendly mobile environment.

Powered by clean energy, the solar-panelled steel and aluminium smart container uses environmentally friendly technologies such as in-row cooling, renewable energy and efficient space allocation that will reduce Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) by more than 20 per cent and will slash carbon emissions by half.

The prefabricated containerised data centre runs a wide range of mission-critical applications, including port and terminal operation systems, visitor passes, and other digital customer services.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO said: “Abu Dhabi Ports’ Smart Container Initiative reflects our commitment to devise and accelerate sustainable eco-friendly digital transformation solutions that not only advances the economic and technological prowess of the emirate but also falls in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forward by the United Nations.

“Global maritime organisations need to reassess traditional ways of conducting business and to seek out sophisticated alternatives especially during times of economic upheaval.

“We are committed to investing in ultra-modern green and clean technology and innovative digital infrastructure that ensures business continuity at all times.”

Dr Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster and CEO of Maqta Gateway, Abu Dhabi Ports said: “Adding value across our port operations while maintaining the highest safety standards for our data is imperative in creating a successful streamlined service.

“This initiative to deploy a mobile data centre is another important step in our continued effort to provide agile and scalable end-to-end smart services to all our stakeholders and customers whilst ensuring business continuity.”

A crucial element in Abu Dhabi Port’s digitalisation success lies in its ability to offer differentiation through hybrid cloud architecture. Its adaptation enables Abu Dhabi Ports to respond faster to digital demands, control costs and provide more competitive pricing to its customers.

Earlier the Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP) announced on Saturday that Khalifa Port’s expansion is on pace for completion.

The Khalifa Port expansion, announced in December 2019, aims to attract new business and significantly boost capacity in line with evolving customer expectations, and has progressed significantly since its inception despite the challenging economic conditions presented by the global pandemic.

Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially increase handling volumes by providing additional deep-water access and enhanced infrastructure.

To date, 200 metres of quay wall and almost 175,000 sqm of land within Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) have been handed over ahead of the project’s full phase one completion in Q1, 2021.

At the same time, considerable progress has also been made on the first phase of Khalifa Port’s South Quay development that is slated for completion by Q4, 2020. With 80 per cent of construction already complete, a total of 650 metres of quay wall, containing two berths alongside 37,000 sqm terminal yard is now available in advance of receiving its first shipment.

Progress has also been made on Abu Dhabi Terminals’ (ADT) expansion plans with the delivery of five new ship-to-shore cranes. With each unit boasting a lifting capacity of 90 tonnes, the new cranes have boosted capacity at the terminal significantly and have put Khalifa Port Container Terminal on track to meet its target of 5 million TEUs by the end of the current year.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The continued expansion of our infrastructure at Khalifa Port demonstrates Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to transforming trade and logistics in the region.

“Thanks to the strategic direction and guidance of the Government of Abu Dhabi, our emirate is ensured to experience increased direct foreign investment and growth of non-oil GDP.

“We are confident that the ongoing expansion of Khalifa Port will significantly enhance our operational and cargo handling capabilities.

“Our ports are not only gateways to the Gulf, but also convenient departure points to markets around the world, connecting east and west. The multimodal connections between Abu Dhabi and global markets through land, sea, air, and future rail channels have elevated the emirate’s status as a leading trade and logistics hub in the Middle East.”

WAM