ESSENCE, ADVANTAGES AND EXISTING EXPERIENCE OF THE SMART PORTS DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Introduction. The smart port uses advanced technologies to automate operations and improve logistics: artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things and blockchain. The use of such technologies reduces the accidents, increases productivity and lowers operating costs. This leads to an increase in economic efficiency and quality of service, which contributes to an increase in competitiveness. Results. Although most ports are implementing automation and informatization to improve procedures and operations, only a few are using smart port functions. Analyze the sources allows to highlight the main challenges that ports face on the way to becoming smart ports. Smart ports can be considered as ports that autonomously perform port operations and optimize logistics by applying advanced technologies. An intelligent port can be defined as a port that is engaged in the automation of port facilities and becomes an autonomous port with integrated information management, rational decision-making and efficient use of resources with the 4IR technologies. This study characterizes the essence of "smart" ports, identifies the main advantages and difficulties in the transforming process of ports into smart ports. The generalization of the existing experience in the formation of smart ports creates the first stage in the theoretical base for the ports development in this direction. The main stages of the transformation of ports into smart ones have been established. Conclusions. Ukraine needs a road map for the smart ports’ creation of the state level. The transition to "smart" ports to innovate through automation and intelligent port operations systems is relevant for Ukrainian ports to increase productivity and competitiveness at the international level