Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic vision, but a real tool for transforming ports and shipping. The world’s largest ports and global maritime operators are already using AI-based solutions to optimize ship arrivals, manage traffic, plan terminal operations, predict breakdowns, and reduce fuel consumption. However, its importance should not be overemphasized, the expert argues.

By using AI, ports become more efficient, reduce operating costs, shorten vessel turnaround times, and reduce CO₂ emissions. Importantly, these solutions are already in place, delivering tangible results. One of the leaders in AI implementation is the Port of Rotterdam, which uses the Pronto platform to predict actual vessel arrival times. The system analyzes AIS data, weather conditions, and operational information, then automatically updates schedules for pilots, tugboats, and terminals. This reduces vessel waiting times by up to 20 percent, improving infrastructure utilization and reducing emissions.

The Port of Hamburg is developing similar solutions, where the HVCC (Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center) system uses artificial intelligence to dynamically manage vessel traffic. Analysis of quay load, weather conditions, and terminal schedules allows for optimal port entry windows. This results in shorter vessel queues and better utilization of quays and port resources.

AI is being used on an even larger scale at the Port of Singapore, where PSA has implemented intelligent planning systems for container yards and crane operations. Algorithms determine the distribution of containers within the terminal to reduce unnecessary transshipment. This increases terminal throughput, shortens vessel turnaround times, and improves port logistics. At the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the APICA system is responsible for optimizing the entire ship arrival process—from port entry, through pilot and tug assignment, to terminal handling. AI analyzes resource availability and the current operational situation, allowing for shorter vessel turnaround times and better utilization of port infrastructure. At the Port of Los Angeles, the Port Optimizer platform analyzes data from containers, terminals, rail, and road transport to predict congestion and better plan cargo flows. This helps reduce congestion and improve the smoothness of logistics operations at one of the world’s largest ports. AI also supports infrastructure maintenance. Solutions such as ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance analyze data from cranes, engines, and hydraulic systems, predicting failures before they occur. This reduces equipment downtime, improves reliability, and lowers maintenance costs.

Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role for shipowners. Maersk uses AI systems to optimize ship routes and speeds. Analysis of weather, sea conditions, vessel load, and port schedules allows it to determine the most efficient route and speed. This translates into lower fuel consumption, cost savings, and reduced emissions. Just-in-Time Arrival systems, developed by companies such as Wärtsilä Smart Marine, are also gaining in importance. They synchronize ship arrival times with port readiness. This means that vessels do not have to wait in the roadstead, they can reduce their speed during the voyage and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Marketing or Reality
All these examples demonstrate that artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most important tools for the development of modern ports and shipping. AI improves operational efficiency, increases safety, reduces costs, and supports the achievement of environmental goals. In practice, this means faster port operations, better infrastructure utilization, and more predictable supply chains. On what scale? Creators of AI systems talk about savings or increased operational efficiency of 20-30%. This would mean enormous optimization and cost savings. However, it is unclear whether these data are realistic and to what extent they are the result of AI use.
“AI systems are a very useful and effective tool for supporting human decision-making, but they should not be overly fetishized. AI is only and exclusively a tool, a support, not an independent decision-maker, because key, strategic decisions are always made by humans,” emphasizes Prof. Marek Grzybowski, maritime transport expert and President of the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster. “It was people who decided that the largest container ships would not sail through the Suez Canal, and it will be people who will decide whether to return to this route. From a shipping perspective, the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) was more significant, as a revolution in maritime transport management actually took place. I consider stories of savings of 20-30% thanks to AI programs more marketing than reality. Therefore, I consider AI a very useful tool, sometimes, for example, in crisis situations, even indispensable as a support, but only a tool, a support for human decisions.”

Discussion at the Polish Ports 2030 Congress

During the Polish Ports 2030 Congress in Sopot (June 23-24, 2026), the application of AI in port and shipping management will be one of the key topics. The program includes both panels on this topic and workshops dedicated to AI.