TONGMYONG OF UNIVERSITY

ASSIGNMENT

Unit: Port Information Technology

Topic: Smart Port de Barcelona Focus on Innovation

Instructor: Sanghoon Shin

Student Name: Truong Thi Thu Thao

Student Id: 20220065

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 4
MAIN BODY ................................................................................................................ 5
I. Port De Barcelona .......................................................................................................5
1. Overview ............................................................................................................. 5
2. The Smart Port Model .........................................................................................5
3. The Port Of Barcelona’s Innovation Model ........................................................6
II. Innovative Developments For Customer Needs ....................................................... 7
1. Innovation initiatives ...........................................................................................7
2. The project for the future .................................................................................... 8
a. The BCN Port Innovation Foundation ..........................................................8
b. Network of Alliances ....................................................................................9
c. Training Hub ...............................................................................................10
d. BlueDistrict .................................................................................................12
e. Port as a Blue Sandbox ............................................................................... 13
f. OpenPort Programme ..................................................................................15
CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................... 17
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 18

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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 : Port Vision 2040: Steering Innovation ( Port de Barcelona Business and
Services Strategic Plan 2021-2025 ) ............................................................... 7
Figure 2 : The strategic partnerships in the innovation adventure ( Innovation By
Port De Barcelona ) .......................................................................................10
Figure 3 : Educational and Training Hubs at the Port of Barcelona ( Innovation
By Port De Barcelona ) ................................................................................. 12
Figure 4 : Blue Tech Port ( Innovation By Port De Barcelona ) ...........................13
Figure 5 : A district for blue innovation: BlueDistrict ( Innovation By Port De
Barcelona ) .................................................................................................... 15
Figure 6 : Map of BlueDistrict ( Innovation By Port De Barcelona ) ...................15

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INTRODUCTION
The Innovation Plan for the Port of Barcelona encapsulates a sophisticated and
comprehensive strategy aimed at propelling the port towards sustained growth and
development. This strategic plan is structured around six pivotal projects, each
meticulously designed to ensure that the Port of Barcelona remains a vanguard of
innovation, efficiency, and competitive excellence within the global logistics and
maritime sectors. Through initiatives, the port is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic
and integrative ecosystem that fosters technological advancements and entrepreneurial
vigor.

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MAIN BODY
I. Port De Barcelona
1. Overview
The Port of Barcelona is a major maritime hub located on the Mediterranean coast of
Spain. It is Spain's principal port for international traffic, handling over 70 million
tons of total traffic annually and moving goods worth approximately 118.142 billion
euros per year. The port is connected to more than 200 ports across five continents
through over 100 regular shipping lines.

The port is divided into three main zones: Port Vell (the Old Port), the
commercial/industrial port, and the logistics port (Barcelona Free Port). It serves as a
crucial logistics hub in the Mediterranean, offering a wide range of services and
facilities. The port is committed to sustainability, implementing measures to reduce
emissions and promote environmentally friendly practices.

The Port of Barcelona is also known for its innovative approach, including the
development of the Smart Port model and the electrification of docks to supply
renewable energy to ships. The port generates around 38,221 jobs and supports over
500 companies and organizations.

2. The Smart Port Model

The Port of Barcelona is making significant strides towards becoming a smart port,
where cutting-edge technology automates processes and seamlessly connects all
stakeholders in the logistics chain. This holistic approach integrates various aspects
such as mobility, environmental sustainability, economic growth, logistics efficiency,
governance, and social factors. By leveraging advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and
automation, the port aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental
impact, and improve overall logistics performance. This transformation not only
streamlines the flow of goods but also fosters a collaborative and innovative
ecosystem that benefits all actors involved, from shipping companies to local
communities. The smart port initiative underscores the Port of Barcelona's
commitment to creating a more sustainable and efficient logistics hub that meets the
evolving demands of global trade.

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3. The Port Of Barcelona’s Innovation Model
Innovating means transforming new ideas into value for the port community, its
customers, and society. The long-term goal is the consolidation of a technology
district linked to the Port of Barcelona with a focus on innovation, logistics, and the
blue economy.

Introduced in 2018, the Port of Barcelona’s steering wheel serves as the conceptual
framework encapsulating the port's vision of open innovation. Anchored by Vision
2040, the steering wheel underscores four pivotal action lines:
- Developing effective management structures.
- Forging strategic partnerships and alliances with innovation centers.
- Actively encouraging sectoral innovation to cultivate an ecosystem of innovation
around port activities.
- Disseminating and promoting innovative activities.

These action lines are articulated in the 2021-2024 Innovation Plan, which also
identifies six major areas where innovation should be integrated: logistics, mobility,
the economy, people, governance, and the environment. Technology stands as the
cornerstone that binds these areas, driving the comprehensive and transformative
development of the port’s operations.

By following this model, the Port of Barcelona aims to remain at the forefront of the
maritime industry, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation to
future challenges. This strategic approach not only enhances operational efficiency
but also contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring the port's leadership
in global logistics and trade.

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Figure 1: Port Vision 2040: Steering Innovation ( Port de Barcelona Business and
Services Strategic Plan 2021-2025 )

II. Innovative Developments For Customer Needs

The Port of Barcelona embraces innovation as the process of transforming fresh ideas
into tangible value for the port community, its customers, and society at large.

1. Innovation initiatives
In recent years, the port has launched a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering a
culture of innovation among port community companies.

These efforts not only enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction but
also involve sharing valuable innovation insights with other ports and the wider public.
Through these initiatives, the Port of Barcelona demonstrates its commitment to

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pioneering advancements and promoting collaborative growth in the maritime
industry.

The Port of Barcelona has launched a series of dynamic initiatives to foster innovation
and cater to the evolving needs of the port community. Key initiatives include:
- Barcelona Port Challenge: Defines challenges for the port community and seeks
start-ups to address them.
- Port Innova: Makes port innovation accessible to vocational training students.
- The Digital Project: Comprises over fifty initiatives aimed at advancing the port
technologically and digitally.
- ChainPORT: A port benchmarking community facilitating global collaboration.
- Smart Ports: Piers of the Future: Showcases innovative projects from the world's
leading ports.
- PierNext: The Port of Barcelona’s dedicated innovation blog.
- Innovation Days: Webinars focused on innovation within the port community.
- Tech Tour Maritime, Trade & Logistics: Connects start-ups with investors in the
maritime and logistics sectors.
- Ports 4.0 Fund: Supports innovation in port logistics.
- Pier 01: Tech Barcelona’s pioneering innovation hub at the Palau del Mar.
These initiatives collectively enhance the port’s efficiency, competitiveness, and
service excellence, while creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and growth.

2. The project for the future

The 2021-2024 Innovation Plan sets out six key projects aimed at driving future
growth and development over the plan's duration. These strategic initiatives are
designed to ensure the Port of Barcelona remains at the forefront of innovation and
efficiency in the logistics and maritime industries.

a. The BCN Port Innovation Foundation

The BCN Port Innovation Foundation is being established to serve as a dynamic,
participatory platform that unites the technology sector, start-up ecosystem, and port
community. This private, non-profit foundation, governed by Catalan foundation
regulations, will prioritize activities that benefit the general interest of Barcelona's
port logistics community.

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Chaired by the Barcelona Port Authority, the foundation will feature a predominantly
private board of trustees and associate members. Its mission is to foster an innovation
ecosystem within port activities, engaging in initiatives such as exploring cutting-edge
technologies and solutions, conducting pilot projects in real-world environments, and
identifying funding sources for port innovation.

Through these efforts, the BCN Port Innovation Foundation aims to drive forward
innovative advancements and create a collaborative environment that supports the
ongoing development and competitiveness of the Port of Barcelona.

b. Network of Alliances
One of Barcelona’s great assets is its thriving innovation ecosystem. The Port of
Barcelona’s innovation model is built on forging strong relationships not only within
the port sector but also with the broader city ecosystem. These strategic partnerships
are established on three key fronts:
- With the current innovation ecosystem in Barcelona and the institutions engaged in
it, including public administrations and private organisations that foster innovation.
- With universities, research centres and business schools, to facilitate the
development and acquisition of talent in the port community.
- With other ports, particularly cutting -edge ports and technology and innovation
leaders. In this regard, the blueprint is the chainPORT model.
These strategic partnerships are crucial for driving forward the Port of Barcelona's
innovation agenda. Some notable partnerships in this innovation journey include:

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Figure 2: The strategic partnerships in the innovation adventure ( Innovation By Port
De Barcelona )

c. Training Hub
Knowledge and technology transfer is a fundamental pillar of innovation. The Port of
Barcelona has emerged as a world-class training hub, hosting several prestigious
educational and training institutions. These include the Barcelona Faculty of Nautical
Studies, affiliated with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia; the European
Intermodal Transport School, established by the port authority; and the ICIL, a
leading institution in logistics training. Additionally, the port supports specialized
professional training centers such as the Barcelona Nautical Institute and the
Barcelona Logistics Institute. These institutions play a crucial role in developing
talent and expertise within the port and logistics sectors, driving forward innovation
and excellence.

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Figure 3: Educational and Training Hubs at the Port of Barcelona ( Innovation By
Port De Barcelona )

d. BlueDistrict
Given Barcelona's immense potential for innovation, the Port of Barcelona must
leverage the city's existing innovation hubs, such as Tech Barcelona's Pier01 and
Pier03, the 3D Incubator, and D Factory managed by the Tax-Free Zone Consortium.
To maximize synergies, these innovation spaces will be developed as a cohesive
network, collaborating with established centers both within the port and in
neighboring areas of the city. The aim is to integrate seamlessly into the city's
entrepreneurial ecosystem, not to compete with it.

Three key hubs in this network stand out:

- Pier01: Operational since 2016, this international technology hub, created by Tech
Barcelona and located at Palau del Mar, spans approximately 1000 m². It houses over
100 companies and start-ups, employing more than 1000 people. It's a European
trailblazer and a model for future developments.
- NftN (Nautical Training and Technology Hub): A new facility commissioned by
Barcelona City Council at Nova Bocana. It will host part of the Barcelona Faculty of
Nautical Studies and a business incubator managed by Barcelona Activa.
- Blue Tech Port: To be developed at the San Beltrán sheds, this hub will feature a
business accelerator and innovation centers managed by logistics, transport, port
activity, and blue economy companies. It will also house the Barcelona Logistics
Institute.

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Figure 4: Blue Tech Port ( Innovation By Port De Barcelona )

Together, these spaces aim to attract talent, create new jobs, foster entrepreneurship,
and establish new technology-based companies in the maritime, logistics, and nautical
sectors. Additionally, they will draw key research centers and innovation areas run by
companies and corporations, ensuring a vibrant and collaborative innovation
ecosystem.

e. Port as a Blue Sandbox

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The Port of Barcelona stands out as a premier sandbox for testing innovation, thanks
to its extensive infrastructure. It offers a unique environment for companies with
cutting-edge innovation projects to conduct proof of concept and prototype viability
tests.

The port service area provides:

- Spaces for Proofs of Concept: Facilities for testing and prototyping in both maritime
and terrestrial settings.
- Spaces for Demonstrations and Conferences: Venues such as the Barcelona Hall,
Aula dels Estels, Ágora Hall, and the WTC Auditorium, which are ideal for
presentations, conferences, and showrooms. These spaces are accessible at both the
city port and the commercial port.
- Spaces for Large-Format Presentations: Locations like the World Trade Centre,
suitable for large-scale events.

The integration of training and research hubs, innovation spaces, and testing and
demonstration areas makes the Port of Barcelona the ideal ecosystem for innovative
activities related to the blue economy and logistics. This comprehensive infrastructure
is designed to attract talent, create new jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage
the formation of technology-based companies in maritime, logistics, and nautical
sectors.

The ultimate goal of the innovation plan is to establish a technological district

associated with the blue economy and logistics in the prime Port Vell area. This
district, known as “BlueDistrict”, will serve as the physical space where the port
logistics community and the innovation ecosystem interact, driving forward
collaborative growth and technological advancements.

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Figure 5: A district for blue innovation: BlueDistrict ( Innovation By Port De
Barcelona )

Figure 6: Map of BlueDistrict ( Innovation By Port De Barcelona )

f. OpenPort Programme
The OpenPort programme is a visionary initiative designed to connect Barcelona's
vibrant innovation ecosystem with its port logistics community. Its primary goal is to

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enhance the sector's competitiveness and the broader industry through open
innovation. The programme focuses on three key targets:
 Developing an Innovation Network:
- Creating interactive spaces for the port community and the innovation ecosystem
to share ideas, challenges, and analyses.
- Serving as a meeting point between start-ups and port companies.
 Generating and Disseminating Innovation Expertise:
- Hosting inspiring and informative talks.
- Disseminating innovation experiences to foster a culture of learning and growth.
 Supporting Funding for Innovation:
- Assisting innovative companies and projects in securing public and private
funding, with a particular emphasis on the Ports 4.0 fund.

These targets are pursued through specific initiatives such as:

- Barcelona Port Challenge: Defining challenges for the port community and finding
start-ups to address them.
- Port Innova: Making port innovation accessible to vocational training students.
- ChainPORT: A global port benchmarking community.
- Smart Ports: Piers of the Future: Showcasing the most innovative initiatives from
major global ports.
- PierNext: The Port of Barcelona’s innovation blog.
- Innovation Days: Webinars focused on port community innovation.
- Ports 4.0 Fund: Supporting port logistics innovation.
- Tech Tour Maritime, Trade & Logistics: A platform for start-ups and investors in
the maritime and logistics sectors to interact.

The OpenPort programme continuously evolves, with new initiatives being added to
expand its impact and reach.

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CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the initiative is a testament to the Port of Barcelona's unwavering
commitment to perpetual enhancement and strategic adaptability in an ever-evolving
global industry. By laying a robust foundation for innovation, forging strategic
partnerships, and establishing specialized spaces for training and prototype testing, the
port is poised to address future challenges with agility and harness emerging
opportunities effectively. These concerted efforts not only bolster the port's
operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to the overarching growth and
sustainability of the maritime and logistics sectors. Through the successful
implementation of these visionary projects, the Port of Barcelona is poised to solidify
its status as a global leader in innovation, setting an exemplary benchmark for ports
worldwide.

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REFERENCES

Port de Barcelona. (n.d.). Port de Barcelona. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from

https://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en

Port de Barcelona. (n.d.). Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Retrieved November 7, 2024,

from https://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en/business-and-services/port-future/strategic-
plan-2021-2025

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Port of Barcelona. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Barcelona

Port de Barcelona. (n.d.). Innovation. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from

https://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en/business-and-services/port-future/innovation

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