An ICT Prototyping Framework for the "Port of the Future"

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Computer Science
• Maritime Logistics

Background:

• Seaports function as critical intermodal hubs, facing significant system integration challenges due to numerous independent providers and complex information systems.
• The integration of diverse software functionalities for various end-users, known as port communities, presents a complex ICT landscape within seaports.
• Port Authorities are evolving from end-users to potential providers of digital innovation services, necessitating adaptable technological frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a canonical cloud architecture capable of hosting diverse, potentially overlapping tenants for seaports.
• To demonstrate how this cloud framework can facilitate the development and deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation services.
• To showcase the versatility of the proposed framework through practical case studies within a real-world port environment.

Main Methods:

• Designing a virtualizing canonical cloud architecture that slices information systems across infrastructure, platform, and software layers.
• Implementing shared resources at infrastructure and platform levels to support independent applications and data access via a Data Lake.
• Adopting the cloud framework as a rapid prototyping environment at the Port of Livorno for ICT service development.

Main Results:

• The canonical cloud architecture successfully hosts multiple independent tenants, enabling shared resource utilization.
• The framework supports the development and deployment of various ICT innovation services, including Navigation Safety, e-Freight, and Logistics.
• The Port of Livorno effectively utilized the framework for rapid prototyping and deployment of digital services.

Conclusions:

• The proposed cloud architecture provides a flexible and scalable solution for seaports to foster digital innovation.
• Shared infrastructure and platform resources within the cloud enable efficient development and deployment of tailored ICT services.
• The successful implementation at the Port of Livorno validates the framework's potential for enhancing seaport operations and services.