Hamburg, 16 October 2024 – Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), and HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) today signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the IAPH World Port Conference in Hamburg. This strategic cooperation will propel innovations in port operations, port development, and workforce capacity building. By harnessing their combined strengths, the parties are set to drive meaningful transformation in global port management.

The MOU signals a shared vision for tackling key challenges in modern port operations, including leveraging digitalization, optimizing waterborne transport infrastructure, and enhancing overall port efficiency. Each partner brings distinct capabilities to the table: MAWANI’s expertise in large-scale port management, HPA’s focus on port strategy and digitalization, and HPC’s deep knowledge of global project and innovation management in the maritime sector. Together, they will unlock synergies that aim to build smarter, greener and more resilient ports.

A Broad Scope for Collaboration
The partnership recognizes the vast potential for cooperation, particularly in optimizing port infrastructure and technology solutions. Through the MOU, the Parties have expressed their intent to promote best practices by regularly exchanging knowledge, expertise and best practice solutions. The focus will be on developing approaches to port management, building capacity, and driving technological advancements within the maritime sector.

Lennart Kinau, HPA Board Member, emphasized the significance of digital integration in modern port operations:

“As global trade evolves, ports must adapt with intelligent, data-driven systems. This partnership strengthens our position at the forefront of digital transformation, allowing us both to enhance efficiency and governance in port management as well as to achieve new levels of sustainability along critical trade routes like the East-West corridor.”

Enhancing Global Trade Connectivity
With its ambition to strengthen its role as a leader in the logistics sector, MAWANI views this collaboration as key to building connected and sustainable infrastructure across key global trade routes. Saudi Arabia’s ports are vital to international trade, particularly across Asia and Europe, and the MOU allows the Kingdom to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and connectivity.

HPC’s Expertise Driving Innovation
With a history of executing complex port development projects worldwide, HPC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this collaboration delivers tangible results. HPC’s extensive experience in digital transformation, coupled with its knowledge of sustainability practices, makes it a key driver of this alliance.

Nils Kemme, CEO of HPC, highlighted HPC’s role in shaping the future of ports:

“HPC has successfully delivered transformative port projects in over 130 countries for nearly half a century. This MOU builds on that legacy by focusing on the next generation of port solutions—automated systems, and smart digital platforms that redefine how ports operate and minimize environmental impact. We are excited to collaborate with MAWANI and HPA to push the boundaries of what modern and sustainable ports can achieve.”

A Framework for Action
Moving forward, the Parties will collaborate to develop actionable strategies. The focus will be on creating an agile, resilient port network that embraces technological innovations such as port AI, automated logistics, and advanced data-driven solutions. Regular knowledge exchanges and collaborative initiatives will ensure this partnership continuously adapts to the latest advancements in global maritime logistics.

The signing of this agreement at the IAPH World Port Conference marks the beginning of a bold journey to create future-proof, efficient ports that contribute to the global supply chain. By pooling their resources and expertise, MAWANI, HPA, and HPC are setting the stage for a transformative era in global port operations.

About HPC
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a global port and logistics consultancy specializing in strategic, operational, commercial, and digitalization services for the ports, terminals, and rail sectors. Since its founding in 1976, the Hamburg-based consultancy has successfully completed over 1,800 projects in 130 countries across six continents, covering the entire development cycle of port and terminal projects. HPC employs around 100 domain experts, including terminal operators, software engineers, logistics managers, transport economists, data scientists, and mathematicians. As a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), HPC has deep roots in container handling, break bulk, multipurpose, and hinterland operations. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Hamburg, 14 October 2024 – Romanian IT company Critical Technologies SRL (consortium leader), German port consultancy HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), and two Estonian maritime and shipping partners, EN Shipping OÜ and Saaresalu OÜ, have delivered a tailor-made specification for a Port Community System for the Port of Constanta, which is intended to be implemented.

The Port of Constanta is on a strategic mission to become a premier gateway in the Black Sea region. To achieve this, the port is making significant investments in both its physical and digital infrastructure. As part of this transformative effort, the port aims to streamline communication within its community by establishing a state-of-the-art Port Community System (PCS).

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive feasibility study, the port launched a public tender, which was won by the consortium. HPC has led the overall project management while the other project tasks were distributed between the business partners. The scope of the tasks included port process analysis, data management analysis, governance model, business model, and risk analysis. As a result, the port will receive a clear specification and recommendation for the implementation of the PCS. This system will enhance efficiency, coordination, and communication across the port, solidifying the Port of Constanta’s position as a key hub in the Black Sea.

Mihai Teodorescu, the Executive Director of the Port Administration states that “Building on the comprehensive feasibility study, we are now ready to develop the Port Community System. This innovative platform will revolutionize information exchange within the port, offering a secure and intelligent communication channel for all stakeholders. By linking the port administration, operators, businesses, and essential institutions like customs, ANSVA, and border police, the PCS will drive unparalleled efficiency and cooperation, significantly improving performance and service quality.”

Dragos Basmaluta, CEO of Critical Technologies mentioned: “By implementation of its cutting-edge Port Community System, designed to enhance efficiency, communication, and coordination among all stakeholders involved in port operations, the Port of Constanta will consolidate its position as a very important logistic asset for Romania and The European Union.”

Frank Busse, Partner and Vice President Europe at HPC, summarized the key takeaways: “It’s essential to involve stakeholders early and understand their unique processes and requirements. Rather than simply digitizing existing processes, we must challenge the status quo and engineer digital-enabled solutions that optimize efficiency and performance. Additionally, having a robust game plan to mitigate external risks, such as legislative restrictions on electronic data exchange and the transition from paper-based processes, is crucial. These strategies are critical for the successful development and implementation of a PCS.”

Eero Naaber from EN Shipping states that “digitalization is first and foremost a change in people’s behavior from a paper-based process to a digital-based process.. However, for this to happen successfully, the digital system must provide a user friendly and secure environment that people can trust. In changing these behavioral habits, it is extremely important to involve the participants during the planning of the digital system and, of course, during the subsequent development.”

Riina Palu from Saaresalu, responsible for governance modelling and risk mitigation in the project, emphasizes that good governance of a digital solution is essential for effectively managing risk related to both the environment and the system itself. “It establishes a framework for decision-making involving port community stakeholders that considers potential risks and implements strategies to mitigate them. Clear roles and responsibilities, transparent processes, and accountability measures are key elements of a well-established digital governance”.

About the National Company Maritime Ports Administration S.A. Constanta:

The Port of Constanta (with Constanta zone, Midia zone, Mangalia Zone, Basarabi Zone, Tomis Marina) is a public-private maritime port owned by the Romanian State which is responsible for their regulation and function. The National Company “Maritime Ports Administration” S.A. Constanta (MPA) is a company under the authority of the Ministry of Transports and Infrastructure.

About the Consortium:

Critical Technologies is a Romanian company specialized in IT&C consultancy and integration of complex systems. The mission of the company is to contribute to the digitalization of the Romanian state-owned companies and governmental agencies. https://www.criticaltechnologies.ro/

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a logistics consultancy specializing in strategy and transformation services for the ports, terminals and rail sectors. Since its foundation in 1976, the Hamburg-based consultancy has completed around 1,800 projects in 130 countries on six continents along the entire development cycle of port and terminal projects. HPC employs around 100 technical experts with backgrounds as terminal operators, software engineers, logistics managers, transport economists, data scientists and mathematicians. As a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), HPC has its roots in port handling of containers, break bulk and multipurpose as well as hinterland operations. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Saaresalu was established in April 2010 as a consultancy for maritime and logistics projects.  Throughout the years, Saaresalu has been offering tailor made project management and business development services for public and private sector clients keeping the focus in maritime, transport and logistics sector.  In the maritime sector, projects involve assisting governments with digitalization initiatives worldwide, with the EBRD-financed “Georgia: Port Community System” being a flagship project in this domain.

EN Shipping focuses on project delivery and consultancy in maritime domain. It specializes on project initiation, team assembling, project management and delivery, expert advisory and consultancy on global scale. EN Shipping CEO Eero Naaber acted as a project manager in the current undertaking. www.enshipping.ee Read more in Romanian: https://www.portofconstantza.com/pn/ro/stire/1/0/20699

Rumänisch-deutsch-estnisches Team liefert Spezifikation für Port Community System an den Hafen von Constanta

Hamburg, 14 Oktober 2024 – Das rumänische IT-Unternehmen Critical Technologies SRL (Konsortialführer), die deutsche Hafenberatung HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) sowie die beiden estnischen Schifffahrts- und Logistikpartner EN Shipping OÜ und Saaresalu OÜ haben eine maßgeschneiderte Spezifikation für ein Port Community System (PCS) für den Hafen von Constanța vorgelegt, das für die Umsetzung bestimmt ist.

Der Hafen von Constanta hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, sich zu einem der wichtigsten Häfen in der Schwarzmeerregion zu entwickeln. Um dies zu erreichen, investiert der Hafen erheblich in seine physische und digitale Infrastruktur. Im Rahmen dieser Transformationsstrategie plant der Hafen, die Kommunikation innerhalb seiner Gemeinschaft durch die Einführung eines hochmodernen Port Community Systems (PCS) zu optimieren.

Angesichts der Notwendigkeit einer umfassenden Machbarkeitsstudie hat der Hafen eine öffentliche Ausschreibung durchgeführt, die das Konsortium für sich entscheiden konnte. HPC übernahm das gesamte Projektmanagement, während die anderen Projektaufgaben auf die Geschäftspartner verteilt wurden. Der Aufgabenbereich umfasste die Analyse von Hafenprozessen, die Datenmanagementanalyse, das Governance-Modell, das Geschäftsmodell sowie die Risikoanalyse. Als Ergebnis hat der Hafen eine klare Spezifikation und Empfehlung für die Implementierung des PCS erhalten. Dieses System wird die Effizienz, Koordination und Kommunikation im gesamten Hafen verbessern und die Position des Hafens von Constanta als wichtige Drehscheibe im Schwarzen Meer weiter festigen.

Mihai Teodorescu, Geschäftsführer der Hafenverwaltung, erklärt: „Aufbauend auf der umfassenden Machbarkeitsstudie sind wir nun bereit, das Port Community System zu entwickeln. Diese innovative Plattform wird den Informationsaustausch innerhalb des Hafens grundlegend verändern und einen sicheren und intelligenten Kommunikationskanal für alle Beteiligten bieten. Durch die Vernetzung von Hafenverwaltung, Betreibern, Unternehmen und wichtigen Institutionen wie Zoll, ANSVA und Grenzpolizei wird das PCS für eine beispiellose Effizienz und Zusammenarbeit sorgen und so die Leistung und Servicequalität erheblich verbessern.“

Dragos Basmaluta, CEO von Critical Technologies, betont: „Mit der Implementierung seines hochmodernen Port Community Systems, das darauf ausgelegt ist, Effizienz, Kommunikation und Koordination aller am Hafenbetrieb beteiligten Akteure zu optimieren, wird der Hafen von Constanța seine Position als bedeutendes logistisches Asset für Rumänien und die Europäische Union weiter festigen.“

Frank Busse, Partner und Vice President Europa bei HPC, fasst die wichtigsten Erkenntnisse zusammen: „Es ist entscheidend, die Interessengruppen frühzeitig einzubinden und ihre individuellen Prozesse und Anforderungen zu verstehen. Anstatt lediglich bestehende Prozesse zu digitalisieren, müssen wir den Status quo hinterfragen und digitale Lösungen entwickeln, die Effizienz und Leistung optimieren. Darüber hinaus ist es unerlässlich, einen soliden Plan zu haben, um externe Risiken wie gesetzliche Einschränkungen beim elektronischen Datenaustausch und den Übergang von papierbasierten Prozessen abzufedern. Diese Strategien sind von entscheidender Bedeutung für die erfolgreiche Entwicklung und Implementierung eines PCS.“

Eero Naaber von EN Shipping erklärt: „Digitalisierung bedeutet in erster Linie eine Veränderung des menschlichen Verhaltens – vom papierbasierten Prozess hin zu einem digitalen, prozessorientierten Ansatz. Damit dies erfolgreich gelingt, muss das digitale System jedoch eine benutzerfreundliche und sichere Umgebung bieten, der die Menschen vertrauen können. Bei der Veränderung dieser Verhaltensgewohnheiten ist es äußerst wichtig, die Beteiligten bereits in der Planungsphase des digitalen Systems und natürlich auch während der anschließenden Entwicklung einzubeziehen.“

Riina Palu von Saaresalu, verantwortlich für das Governance-Modell und die Risikominderung im Projekt, betont, dass eine gute Governance einer digitalen Lösung unerlässlich ist, um Risiken – sowohl im Hinblick auf die Umgebung als auch das System selbst – effektiv zu steuern. „Sie schafft einen Entscheidungsrahmen, der die Interessengruppen der Hafengemeinschaft einbindet, potenzielle Risiken berücksichtigt und Strategien zu deren Minderung umsetzt. Klare Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten, transparente Prozesse und Maßnahmen zur Rechenschaftspflicht sind wesentliche Elemente einer gut etablierten digitalen Governance.“

Über die National Company Maritime Ports Administration S.A. Constanța:
Der Hafen von Constanța (mit den Zonen Constanța, Midia, Mangalia, Basarabi, Tomis Marina) ist ein öffentlich-privater Seehafen im Besitz des rumänischen Staates, der für seine Regulierung und Funktion verantwortlich ist. Die National Company “Maritime Ports Administration” S.A. Constanța (MPA) ist ein Unternehmen unter der Aufsicht des Ministeriums für Verkehr und Infrastruktur.

Über das Konsortium:

Critical Technologies ist ein rumänisches Unternehmen, das sich auf IT&C-Beratung und die Integration komplexer Systeme spezialisiert hat. Die Mission des Unternehmens ist es, zur Digitalisierung staatseigener Unternehmen und Regierungsbehörden in Rumänien beizutragen. https://www.criticaltechnologies.ro/

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting ist eine Logistikberatung, die sich auf Strategie- und Transformationsdienstleistungen für die Hafen-, Terminal- und Eisenbahnsektoren spezialisiert hat. Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 1976 hat das in Hamburg ansässige Beratungsunternehmen rund 1.800 Projekte in 130 Ländern auf sechs Kontinenten entlang des gesamten Entwicklungszyklus von Hafen- und Terminalprojekten abgeschlossen. HPC beschäftigt rund 100 technische Experten mit Hintergründen als Terminalbetreiber, Softwareingenieure, Logistikmanager, Verkehrswirtschaftler, Datenwissenschaftler und Mathematiker. Als Tochtergesellschaft der Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) hat HPC seine Wurzeln in der Hafenabwicklung von Containern, Stückgut und Mehrzweckgütern sowie im Hinterlandverkehr. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Saaresalu wurde im April 2010 als Beratungsunternehmen für maritime und Logistikprojekte gegründet. Im Laufe der Jahre hat Saaresalu maßgeschneiderte Projektmanagement- und Geschäftsentwicklungsdienstleistungen für Kunden aus dem öffentlichen und privaten Sektor angeboten, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf dem maritimen, Transport- und Logistiksektor liegt. Im maritimen Bereich umfasst dies die Unterstützung von Regierungen bei weltweiten Digitalisierungsinitiativen, wobei das von der EBRD finanzierte „Georgia: Port Community System“-Projekt ein Vorzeigeprojekt in diesem Bereich ist.

EN Shipping konzentriert sich auf die Projektabwicklung und Beratung im maritimen Bereich. Das Unternehmen ist auf die Initiierung von Projekten, die Zusammenstellung von Teams, Projektmanagement und -durchführung sowie auf Fachberatung und -beratung im globalen Maßstab spezialisiert. Der CEO von EN Shipping, Eero Naaber, fungierte bei diesem Vorhaben als Projektleiter. www.enshipping.ee

Weitere Informationen auf Rumänisch: https://www.portofconstantza.com/pn/ro/stire/1/0/20699 

Setting the scene for the ninth CONNECTING PORTS talk show by Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) earlier this month, an opening drone’s eye view of detailed port facilities under threat from cyber intrusion made for troubled viewing.  Three international experts explained how the maritime port sector must be prepared.  Serious attention to firewalls, passwords and a new perspective are needed to protect the backbone of global supply chains.

Hamburg, October 2nd, 2024: Christina Prieser, Associate Partner at HPC moderated the forum which delivered an unsettling message that potential disruption through malicious cyber attacks on ports’ IT infrastructures will only increase in the future.

Among the experts contributing, Scott Dickerson the founder of CISO LLC, which develops bespoke security programs for the maritime industry predicted, “We focus too much on legal regulations instead of fighting the perpetrators. This will lead to further disruptions to supply chains in the coming years. He went on to focus on contingency planning to combat the risks. Key to this is to foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. “This can only be achieved if it is driven from the top down by the CEO or port director,” he emphasized. “If top management don’t really care about a risk area like cyber security, everyone else will quickly see through it. Having the issue handled solely by technical experts would be a disservice to the organization because it’s not just technicians who work with operational technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), but the entire port administration.

Asking the all-important question, the moderator solicited the thoughts of the panel on what specific security measures can protect port facilities from cyberattacks through the growing influence of IoT. Firstly, Gadi Benmoshe, Managing Director of Marinnovators, an Israeli consultancy for maritime supply chains noted that there are currently far fewer IoT systems implemented for data collection, analysis and automation than operational technology that controls physical processes. “One of the biggest weaknesses in port cyber security,” he said. “We therefore strongly recommend separating the physical networks of operational technology or IoT from the administrative networks.”

Pradeep Luthria, Senior Partner at Saiber Innovation Technology, a cyber security solution provider in Dubai (UAE), calls for better communication about attacks: “If we got to the bottom of the causes and communicated about them more quickly, we would be better prepared.” His most recent example is an attack at the end of August on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the internet and web systems were down for days.

One initiative discussed was the international Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MTS-ISAC), a central coordination point for the timely exchange of information on cyber threats between trusted stakeholders. Its focus is on information technology, operational technology and IoT. “The MTS-ISAC and other non-governmental organizations can share information within minutes instead of weeks and months later, as is the case with some government agencies,” Dickerson pointed out.

There is no shortage of rules and regulations for cybersecurity. Gadi Benmoshe, who is also Vice Chairman of the Data Collaboration Committee at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) highlighted the IAPH Cybersecurity Guidelines for Ports and Port Facilities. The IAPH is also supporting the IMO’s mandatory requirement for a “Maritime Single Window”, which came into force this year. This enables ship information to be exchanged on a central digital platform. “The IAPH is proposing to the IMO that the member states introduce a binding legal framework for cyber security of the Maritime Single Window by April 2025,” announced Benmoshe. He also reminded the audience that the topics of cyber attack mitigation and harmonizing port cyber security standards will feature prominently in next week’s IAPH World Ports Conference in Hamburg.

Cybersecurity requires constant focus and on-going development, the experts agreed. Luthria believes it is important to make people responsible and accountable for this and Benmoshe is pinning his hopes on artificial intelligence, which could help to better detect and prevent cyber-attacks. In conclusion Dickerson had a useful tip, “Restrict your IT, operational technology and IoT architectures from being accessible from the public internet to reduce potential attacks.”

The full session Connecting Ports #09 is available on YouTube Connecting Ports | Session#09 | Uncharted Waters: The Cybersecurity Challenge for Ports (youtube.com)

Contact

Steffi Karsten, HPC Marketing / PR, E-Mail: s.karsten@hpc-hamburg.de

About HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a logistics consultancy specializing in strategy and transformation services for the ports, terminals and hinterland facilities sectors. Since its foundation in 1976, the Hamburg-based consultancy has carried out more than 1,800 projects in 136 countries on six continents, covering the entire development cycle of port projects. HPC employs around 100 experts with a background as terminal operators, software engineers, logistics managers, transport economists, data analysts and scientists as well as mathematicians. As a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), HPC has its roots in port handling of containers, general cargo and multipurpose freight as well as hinterland traffic.