Aberdeen Harbour one step closer to digital transformation

Aberdeen Harbour Board is “one step closer to digital transformation”, thanks to a £161,000 grant to fund a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the Robert Gordon University.

The Partnership, which is funded by Innovate UK and the Scottish Funding Council, aims to result in a digital decision support system based on live data, enabling the port’s Marine and Operations Departments to maximise the efficiency of North Harbour.

The systems devised will be applied to South Harbour, once it opens in 2021.

Michelle Handforth, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Robert Gordon University on this exciting project, which will revolutionise planning and berth utilisation in our busy North Harbour.

By using valuable data which can be gathered from operations every day, we can provide our customers and port users with efficient, streamlined services, while also eradicating unnecessary journeys and waiting times, thus helping to meet objectives around carbon emissions.

Ports operating in the 21st Century must make use of digital innovations, and we look forward to seeing the benefits this Partnership will bring to Aberdeen Harbour.”

Prof. John McCall of Robert Gordon University said:

"My team and I are very excited to have the opportunity to apply our digital expertise to help optimise harbour operations, promote efficiency and to have a real impact on marine carbon emissions."

Ian Heywood, Knowledge Transfer Adviser for the Knowledge Transfer Network, said:

“This fascinating KTP will transform the commercial and operational functions of the Harbour, and will support their expansion plans.  Both teams are very experienced, and we are honoured to be working with the UK’s oldest existing business, at this time of ambitious, strategic change.”