Reduce environmental impacts while optimize port operation: Get to know the Pixel project, a new AIVP Partner!

Reducing the environmental impact of port operations and increasing their transparency are two key elements for sustainable port-city relationships (goal 9.1 of the AIVP Agenda 2030). Internet of Things (IoT), based on data generated by devices deployed in (smart) ports and cities can play a crucial role in both. Research projects like Pixel Port are working to develop new tools for efficient and transparent monitoring of environmental impact of ports. Their single impact metric can facilitate better joint governance and contribute to a healthier port-city relationship. Ignacio Lacalle, researcher from UPV, explains in this article the key aspects of the project and how AIVP and Pixel are starting a new collaboration based on the AIVP Agenda 2030. While there is a clear mutual benefit for both ports and cities in the symbiosis established between them, there also exist some pitfalls. In a constantly growing urban population scenario, establishing transparent lines for the interaction between the port and the city about the urban development is becoming crucial. Additionally, the existence of the port conveys certain logistic and collateral effects to the city that, if tackled together with the municipality, can be more aligned towards the citizens’ benefit. As it is being promoted by AIVP and other entities, the answer must rely on fostering that interaction, based on a continuous improvement and innovation on both sides of the equation. In a world where the number of “connected devices” increases by 11% per year over the current 7.6 billion [1] and sensors technology and computing capacity are widely available, the Internet of Things may be the root of that answer. Applying validated techniques and investing resources on this strategy might lead the pathway to the modern port of the future. Nowadays, there has been observed a trend from ports…