Despite widespread adoption of digital tools and automation technologies, terminals still face persistent challenges with data connectivity, system integration and real-time visibility, says Tideworks Technology’s new global survey. It highlighted that operators are looking for connected systems that are easy to use, adaptable to their needs, and built for everyday terminals.
The survey, as per the press release, gathered responses globally from 121 professionals across container, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off terminal operations, with annual throughputs ranging from under 100,000 TEUs to more than five million. Thomas J. Rucker, President of Tideworks Technology, said marine terminals are making bold technology investments, but the next step is ensuring that systems work together.
“What’s needed now is smarter connectivity that links data seamlessly across systems, both within the terminal and beyond the gate. Tideworks is committed to meeting terminals where they are, helping them unify their data and operations at their own pace, while giving them the flexibility to explore other emerging technologies on their own terms.”
The survey’s findings highlight that more connected, real-time systems can deliver the greatest impact for terminal operations:
Yard Optimization – about 74 percent of terminals are focused on reducing unproductive moves and maximizing equipment use. Yard space remains a constraint, with 66 percent emphasizing it as a top challenge.
Process Automation Leads, Equipment Lags – about 58 percent of the respondents rank process automation as their priority for technology initiatives, making it the top item in this category. Moreover, equipment automation is a lower priority, ranked in fifth place with 35 percent.
Limited Connectivity Impedes Real-Time Insight – about 86 percent of the respondents utilize TOS and planning tools, however, only 30 percent leverage real-time analytics. Tideworks said data sharing is also a barrier as 53 percent face internal integration challenges, and around 46 percent struggle externally, and nearly 45 percent lack real-time visibility.
AI Interest, Data Foundations Need Improvement – among large terminals (1M+ TEUs), 64 percent are prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI), compared to 43 percent of terminals overall. However, about 58 percent of all terminals still rely on manual data practices. This highlights the need for cleaner, more accessible data before advanced technologies can deliver real value.
AI and Automation
Various reports state that the automated container terminal industry will witness robust expansion over the next decade. This will be driven by the increasing adoption of smart port technologies, rising global trade volumes, and the push for sustainability. Automated container terminals are emerging as a crucial solution amid the pressure to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround time. Future Market Insights stated that the integration of AI-driven automation, digital twin technology, and IoT-enabled infrastructure is expected to revolutionize terminal operations, leading to faster cargo handling and reduced operational costs.
The container terminal industry, in 2024, continued its steady growth with investments in fully automated and semi-automated port terminals. Moreover, government initiatives to modernize port infrastructure, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe, further strengthened market expansion. As such, the market is forecasted to reach USD 20.3 billion by 2035; this will be driven by advancements in robotics, autonomous vessels, and AI-powered logistics systems. Some of the trends to look for in 2025 – 2035 are growth of fully autonomous terminal operations, advanced AI-driven decision-making and predictive analytics, widespread adoption of electrified port equipment, integration of robotics and autonomous vehicles for end-to-end automation, full-scale implementation of digital twin solutions for real-time monitoring, AI-optimized automated stacking crane systems, widespread implementation of green port initiatives and energy-efficient solutions, expanding investments in automation across emerging economies, emphasis on operational resilience and supply chain sustainability, and adoption of blockchain for enhanced transparency in logistics.
Several ports in the United Kingdom, including Felixstowe and Southampton, have taken automation to improve efficiency. The UK is focused on digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, thus investing in AI-driven port solutions and autonomous equipment. Experts say increased trade post Brexit is leading to efforts by the British authorities to make supply chains more efficient – fuelling demand for automation. It’s also inclined towards smart port projects and technology-enabled logistics infrastructure for market progression.
In Germany, Hamburg and Bremerhaven ports, among others, have also adopted automation. Reports say the German government is keen to enhance the efficiency of maritime trade. Increasing labour costs have ushered in autonomous cranes, robotic transporters, and AI-powered port management systems. France and Italy are also joining their neighbours, accelerating the adoption of technology to reduce carbon emissions, reduce congestion and improve the speed of handling cargoes and containers.
Preferences and Challenges
Port operators and stakeholders regard automation as a critical factor in boosting terminal efficiency and reducing operational costs. Ports in developed economies such as the US and Japan, as per Future Markets Insights, are prioritizing investment in full-scale automation, while stakeholders in emerging markets are focusing on semi-automated solutions. The majority of logistics providers have a strong preference for AI-driven predictive analytics and digital twin technologies to enhance operational visibility.
However, cutting-edge technologies can be costly. Around 58 percent of respondents attributed high capital costs as the primary barrier to adoption. They also highlighted labour unions and regulatory restrictions, particularly in Western Europe, as major concerns. In Western Europe, workforce resistance to automation is a key challenge. The European Transport Workers’ Federation had said in 2018 that there is potential to use automated technologies – ranging from remote-operated cranes to supply chain algorithms – but these are hugely expensive and do not always lead to increased productivity. It stated that some European ports are growing strongly without major automation. Torben Seebold, ETF Dockers’ Vice-Chair, had said that new technologies should support dock workers to deliver greater productivity in better conditions. “Otherwise, they merely serve to slash employment, bust unions and drain state coffers, without any meaningful boost to productivity.”
ETF says automation should not be imposed without workers’ consultation. “It must be accompanied by fair transition measures, including retraining, job guarantees, early retirement schemes, shift to part-time, and negotiated agreements that ensure automation serves both productivity and social sustainability.” It added that technology should enhance the role of dockworkers, and not push them out of the industry entirely.
Berardina Tommasi, ETF Policy Officer for Dockers, said ports that are efficient, reliable, and safe are more likely to attract businesses. “These qualities are not only dependent on automation, but rather on the skill, experience, and dedication of dockworkers. Investment in people must be just as important as investment in technology.”
Besides the human factor, high initial investment costs, integration complexities with existing infrastructure, and cybersecurity risks are some challenges that terminal and port operators face with AI, automation, and other technologies.