PORT INDUSTRY PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. THE CASE OF GREEK PORTS

Abstract

The port industry is considered a latecomer in the Artificial Intelligence era, among others, due to the nature of port operations, the inner ort environment characteristics, the numerous players operating the port area, etc. Despite that, several actions towards adopting AI solutions in the port industry have been taken in the last few years, seeing as the next step (or the complimentary step) following port and terminal automation. AI can provide solutions and increase the efficiency of port processes, leading to reduced costs, better optimization of port operations, decreased emissions, etc., which can increase port users' satisfaction. On the other hand, AI comes with a price. Significant investments are needed to adopt AI solutions in port operations, which might prevent medium- and small-size ports from moving fast in the AI era. Also, there are significant challenges for ports related to the potential scarcity of qualified personnel and the need for port workforce transformation. Leading ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Singapore have adopted AI solutions as part of their smart-port strategy, but the applications of AI in ports are still limited. The paper tries to shed light on the issues affecting the potential of AI in the port industry by examining the perceptions of ports regarding the expectations, challenges, and pros and cons of AI in ports. Towards this, the paper proceeds with field research using a structured questionnaire in the major Greek ports operating as Societe Anonymes. The research results will provide valuable insights regarding the lack of AI adoption by the port industry that can be used to form relevant strategies and policies that will tackle the still low penetration of AI in ports.