Launching Networked Virtual Watch Tower Project for supply chain performance

Participating members of the pioneering community in the project are Alleima Tube, BridgeNet Solutions - part of PSA BDP, Kalmar, Bromma, Einride, Ericsson, Green Cargo, HERE Technologies, Marine Benchmark, PSA International, Scania, Stora Enso, Wallenius Sol, and Yilport Nordic; the ports of Gävle, Helsingborg, and Kvarken ports Umeå, and the Swedish Ports Association join as advisory partners. Chalmers, Gothenburg University, Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI), and Umeå University participate as research and innovation partners.

“IHPC has been involved in many maritime research projects to develop AI-based solutions. More recently, IHPC is leading the Maritime AI Programme working with partners across the eco-system to develop and translate AI technologies in maritime sector. The Networked Virtual Watch Tower project is a natural extension to our maritime research as AI and analytical functions play a key role to enable supply chain operators to make informed and better decisions. IHPC is excited to contribute our R&D capabilities in AI and big data related research to co-develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the trade and supply chain stakeholders locally and globally. The AI tools and solutions that will be developed aim to optimise resources for supply chain stakeholders to better coordinate operations, streamline processes, achieve cost efficiency and improve productivity,” says Dr Su Yi, Executive Director, IHPC.

Innovation manager Mikael Lind, adjunct Professor in Maritime Informatics, RISE and Chalmers adds “Over a decade we have developed and refined the concept of Collaborative Decision Making (CDM). A-CDM enables coordinated airports, PortCDM does the same for ports, YardCDM and StationCDM for railways, and RRTCDM for inland terminals. In this project, we will bring all these pieces together into a CDM approach that tackles the challenges of multimodal end-to-end supply chains (e2eCDM)”.

The common goal of the participants is to collaboratively improve transport and supply chain management through augmented intelligence brought about by the project, by leveraging data sharing, transparency, and AI-driven analysis and recommendations.

“The global supply chain disruptions in the last few years have underscored the need for the industry to push harder and faster for more robust and “smarter” solutions in the immediate future. At PSA, we believe that efficient and sustainable end-to-end supply chains can only be achieved through close collaboration, digitalisation and data sharing amongst industry stakeholders and we look forward to being an active partner in the Networked Virtual Watch Tower project,” said Eddy Ng, Head of Group Commercial and Supply Chain Sustainability Solutions, PSA International.

‘’We see a strong value of the Networked approach in the Virtual Watch Tower project. Close collaboration between parties and a joint approach for improved transport visibility is the only way forward to reach supply chain visibility and resilience’’ said Niklas Fahlen, SVP Logistics, Stora Enso.

The project will run over two years with the objective of piloting a network of a virtual watch tower prototype tested in a real-life environment. The community will then deploy the final product as tech and analytics powered platform, which provides comprehensive and resilient optionality to the global trade and supply chain stakeholders not only in Singapore and Sweden but worldwide.

“SMI is pleased to award funding to IHPC for this international joint research effort with RISE. With PSA International as one of the industry collaborators, this project could provide a holistic view for both cargo owners and transport buyers of the multimodal supply chain operations, and create an ecosystem for services around the supply chain network visibility for higher operational performance and risk management. The project outcome with a piloted solution will also be the first step to further establish Singapore as a highly digitalised and smart port in the global supply chain,” said Tan Cheng Peng, Executive Director, SMI.

Vinnova, as the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation, has approved funding of the Virtual Watch Tower project on the Swedish side. “The project has the potential to develop solutions that will make global value chains more sustainable, resilient, and secure. The importance of the project is underlined by the participation of a diverse set of leading Swedish and foreign actors.”, said Andreas Netz, Head of Department at Vinnova

 

Additional information on the virtual watch tower concept can be found at

www.virtualwatchtower.org

 

For media queries, please contact:

Mr Niklas Jälevik

Head of Media Relations

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Mobile: (46) 72 727 5314

Email: niklas.jalevik@ri.se

 

Doris Yang (Ms)

Assistant Head, Corporate Communications

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Tel: +65 9367 5336

Email: yangscd@hq.a-star.edu.sg

 

Ms Jacqueline Goh

Senior Manager, Outreach and Corporate Communications

Singapore Maritime Institute

Mobile: (65) 9228 9032

Email: jacqueline@maritimeinstitute.sg

 

Mr Andreas Netz

Head of Sustainable Mobility

Vinnova

Mobile: (46) 70 669 50 58

Email: andreas.netz@vinnova.se

 

About A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) 

A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) was established in August 1998 to provide leadership in computational modelling, simulation and AI to solve major scientific, industrial and societal challenges. It seeks to promote and spearhead scientific advances and technological innovations through multidisciplinary R&D, and to develop impactful applications to further economic growth and improve lives.  

  

Our research focuses are on computing science and AI; large-scale complex systems modelling; social and cognitive computing; computational engineering mechanics, fluidic dynamics, electronics and photonics, materials science and chemistry. These core capabilities enable IHPC to tackle real-world challenges in physical and human systems, such as in manufacturing, energy, transportation and urban systems, environmental sustainability and healthcare.

  For more information on IHPC, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg/ihpc. 

 

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg. 

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About the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE)

RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. Through our international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the Swedish business community on an international level and contribute to a sustainable society. Our close to 3 000 employees engage in and support all types of innovation processes. RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and 130 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.

For more information, please visit https://www.ri.se/en

 

About PSA International

PSA International (PSA) is a leading port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. With flagship operations in Singapore and Antwerp, PSA’s global network encompasses 160 locations in 42 countries around the world. The Group’s portfolio comprises over 60 deepsea, rail and inland terminals, as well as affiliated businesses in supply chain management, logistics, marine and digital services. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience from a diverse global team, PSA actively collaborates with its customers and partners to deliver world-class port services alongside, develop innovative cargo solutions and co-create an Internet of Logistics. As the partner of choice in the global supply chain, PSA is “The World’s Port of Call”. Visit us at www.globalpsa.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook (@globalpsa).

 

About Stora Enso

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 22,000 employees and our sales in 2021 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY).

 

 

About the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI)

The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) is a joint effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Established in April 2011, SMI develops strategies and programmes to achieve its mission with key focus areas in sectors such as port, shipping and maritime services. SMI charts the maritime research strategy and promotes greater industry-academia research and development (R&D) collaborations to be undertaken in Singapore. Through a whole-of-government approach, SMI drives initiatives with industry-wide impacts to enhance the overall competitiveness of the local maritime industry, and to strengthen research and development (R&D) capabilities in support of Singapore as a global maritime knowledge hub.

For more information, please visit www.maritimeinstitute.sg

 

About Vinnova

Vinnova is Sweden's innovation agency. Our mission is to strengthen Sweden's innovative capacity and contribute to sustainable growth. We work to ensure that Sweden is an innovative force in a sustainable world.

For more information, please visit www.vinnova.se