The Port of Barcelona has taken an important step towards innovation by establishing the “BCN Port Innovation” alliance with Siemens, Grimaldi and Merlin to promote improvements in its maritime infrastructure.
In this regard, it has created a private foundation called BCN Port Innovation, which will be responsible for promoting pilot tests that seek to optimize activities such as freight traffic and promote port logistics, sustainable mobility and care for the environment.
With 18 associated companies and the goal of reaching 30 partners by the end of the year, BCN Port Innovation has established itself as a space open to the participation of companies from the port community, technology startups and institutions.
Siemens, Grimaldi Lines, Merlin Properties, MB92, Mepsa, Alfil Logistics, Puerto Seco Azuqueca, Factor Energia, BEST, Captrain, Italtel, Nexus Geographic, Aquarium, ICIL and Escola Europea-Intermodal Transport are some of the companies that are part of this initiative.
In addition, Ackcent and Aggity are founding partners along with the port, contributing their expertise in cybersecurity and digital transformation, respectively.
BCN Port Innovation and its main projects
BCN Port Innovation began with two projects aimed at boosting freight traffic.
One, led by Hutchison Ports and Allread, focuses on automatic stamp scanning using computer vision technology.
The second project, developed by Grimaldi Lines and Goclever, aims to detect the dimensions of trucks before they enter port terminals.
These initiatives are just the beginning, as three more projects are expected to be activated in the coming months, focusing on port logistics and international shipping.
To receive funding from BCN Port Innovation, projects must address real challenges and present results that benefit society as a whole, as well as be replicable and scalable solutions.
About the budget
The budget for the first year of operation of BCN Port Innovation will be 0.5 million euros and the partner companies will make contributions ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 euros, depending on their participation in the pilot tests.
Those companies that make larger contributions will be able to apply for specific projects and be part of their development.
This alliance between the Port of Barcelona, Siemens, Grimaldi and Merlin represents an important boost for the modernization and improvement of the maritime infrastructure.
BCN Port Innovation is positioned as a collaborative space that fosters innovation and the implementation of technological solutions to address the current challenges of the sector.
With the commitment of its partners and the vision of transformation, this initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the development and efficiency of the Port of Barcelona.
In addition, the alliance seeks to strengthen knowledge transfer and the creation of synergies.
