ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY: LEVERAGING AI IN PASSENGER TERMINALS OF PORT CITIES IN EGYPT

Abstract

Port Said and Alexandria are two of the most important Egyptian port cities, but their passenger terminals suffer from multiple problems including the quality of infrastructure and communication systems. They have all had negative repercussions on the traveler experience and perception. The core problem is based on the traditional management techniques used in these terminals, which creates isolated and segmented environments. Moreover, the terminals are not designed to incorporate natural elements and sustainable aspects into their design; therefore, the disparities between the port terminals and their surrounding urban environments are striking. This study will thus, seek to improve Egyptian port passenger terminals by focusing on the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a novel way. The primary goals and objectives include enhancing information and communication technologies in terminal spaces to support use and occupancy and designing intelligent environment that comprises of natural elements for growth of sustainable structure. These goals target the current problems concerning port terminal operations and are in compliance with current environmental objectives. The adopted research method is analytical-descriptive, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the current terminal operations and facilities. In this respect, performance evaluation methods from an infrastructure point of view are used to establish some areas that need to be upgraded to incorporate larger ships and capacity to transport more passengers. Also, some case analyses are used in the research with the purpose to demonstrate the usefulness of implemented AI tools in order to improve operation productivity and more permanent sustainability performance indicators of certain passenger terminals. This best practice combines the analysis of concerns and feedback of passengers with detailed reports on how terminals function and what their physical structures look like, with the aim of optimizing wayfinding and passengers’ movements. The results highlight the positive impact of AI integration especially in the areas of improving the operation efficiency and improving the experience of the users in port passengers’ terminal. Cutting-edge outcomes reveal how the use of AI in systems enhances passengers’ circulation and terminal interconnectivity and environmentally responsible environments. The integration of AI technology strategically improves efficiency and sustains the relations between the different zones and develops the Egyptian port terminals as integrated transport zones. The study proposes specific recommendations for improvement: implementing smart communication systems, adopting sustainable design strategies, and developing a comprehensive AI framework for port operations. These strategic enhancements are expected to create efficient, sustainable terminals while promoting the development of urban waterfront areas. The research underscores the potential of AI technologies as a transformative solution for the challenges faced by Egyptian port passenger terminals, paving the way for a more integrated and sustainable future.