The Internet of Things (IoT) has become one of the key technologies for real-time port monitoring.

Digitalisation is transforming the maritime sector at a rapid pace. Smart ports are no longer a futuristic concept, but a reality that seeks to optimise operations, reduce costs and improve sustainability.

Thanks to a network of interconnected sensors, analysis platforms and advanced communication systems, ports can collect and process operational data in real time, improving safety, energy efficiency and maritime and land traffic management.

In this article, we will explore the types of sensors used in port environments, real-time data systems, and some real-world use cases in European ports that have already adopted these solutions.

1. IoT in ports: a revolution underway

The IoT consists of connecting physical devices—sensors, cameras, control systems—to a network that allows information to be collected, analysed, and used in real time. In the port sector, this means:

• Monitoring ship and goods traffic.
• Monitor the status of critical infrastructure.
• Optimise energy consumption and reduce emissions.
• Ensuring the safety of workers and cargo.

According to a report by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), more than 40% of large European ports already have IoT-based digitisation projects in place (IAPH Report).

2. Types of IoT sensors in port monitoring

The use of sensors is the basis of smart port monitoring. Among the most commonly used are:

a) Maritime and land traffic sensors

• AIS (Automatic Identification System): enables real-time tracking of the position, speed and course of ships.
• GPS sensors on lorries and port cranes: facilitating cargo traceability inside and outside the port.

b) Environmental and climate sensors

• They detect wind speed, wave height, sea level, and air quality.
• They are essential for ensuring safe operations and planning manoeuvres in adverse weather conditions.

c) Structural sensors

• Placed on docks, cranes, and warehouses, they measure vibrations, pressure, and wear to anticipate failures in critical infrastructure.
• They enable predictive maintenance to be carried out, preventing costly breakdowns.

d) Energy sensors

• They monitor electricity consumption in terminals, cooling systems, and lighting.
• They facilitate the implementation of energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction policies.

e) Smart cameras and vision systems

• Integrated with AI algorithms, they enable automatic recognition of containers and number plates, streamlining control and security processes.

3. Real-time data systems

Data collection by sensors must be integrated into platforms capable of processing large volumes of information. Among the most relevant systems are:

a) Digital port management platforms

Centralised systems that connect data from sensors, logistics systems and customer platforms. They enable port managers to make quick, data-driven decisions.

b) Digital twins

A digital twin is a virtual replica of the port that integrates real-time data to simulate and predict scenarios. This tool facilitates operational planning, traffic management, and emergency response.

👉 Example: The Port of Hamburg has a digital twin that replicates its operations in real time (Hamburg Port Authority).

c) Predictive analysis with AI

IoT data in port monitoring is combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to anticipate congestion, detect anomalies and improve berthing planning.

Data collection using sensors is only useful if it is processed on advanced platforms that enable immediate response. In European ports, more and more terminals are integrating:

• Unified management platforms (Port Community Systems – PCS): centralise information on ships, shipping agents, customs and terminals. This allows multiple actors to be coordinated, reducing delays and administrative errors.
• Dynamic digital twins: in addition to replicating the physical infrastructure, they integrate live data to simulate scenarios such as congestion at the port entrance or possible technical incidents involving cranes.
• Cloud computing and edge computing: the former stores large volumes of historical data, while the latter processes information at the port itself, ensuring low latency in decision-making.

👉 Example: The Port of Rotterdam combines digital twins and edge computing to coordinate ship arrivals and reduce berthing times by up to 20%.

4. Real-life use cases in European ports

• Rotterdam (Netherlands):
  A pioneer in digitalisation. Thanks to the PortXchange programme, each ship receives an optimised arrival plan. This reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. In addition, underwater sensors monitor water quality and biodiversity, integrating sustainability into its operations.
• Valencia (Spain):
  As part of the European Green C Ports project, the port has installed sensors that collect data on CO₂, particulate matter and land traffic. This information is used to generate predictive models that help plan logistics and minimise environmental impacts.
• Hamburg (Germany):
  Integrate IoT into your connected urban infrastructure. Your smart bridges open and close in sync with ship and lorry traffic, reducing congestion. The digital twin facilitates strategic decisions to absorb peaks in activity.
• Gotemburg (Sweden):
  It has opted for an IoT system focused on energy efficiency. Thanks to sensors in terminals and warehouses, electricity consumption has been reduced by 15%, optimising lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

5. Benefits of IoT in port monitoring

• Greater operational safety: the use of environmental sensors allows operations to be shut down in hazardous conditions (e.g. dangerous gusts of wind for gantry cranes).
• Logistics optimisation: real-time data from lorries and ships reduces queues and allows port entry to be planned, avoiding congestion.
• Cost savings: Predictive maintenance can save up to 30% on unexpected repairs to cranes and docks, according to studies by DNV.
• Sustainability: energy sensors detect inefficient consumption. This helps meet the decarbonisation targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
• Better customer experience: with full traceability, customers know the status of their shipment at all times, which builds trust and loyalty.

6. Challenges in implementing IoT in port monitoring

• Cybersecurity: Ports are targets for cyberattacks that seek to paralyse operations or steal sensitive data. IoT integration requires robust protocols such as ISO/IEC 27001 or NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Interoperability: different sensor manufacturers do not always follow the same standards, which makes it difficult to integrate systems in an environment as complex as a port.
• Initial investment: the complete digitisation of a large port can exceed €100 million, although it pays for itself through efficiency and savings in the medium term.
• Training and cultural change: the transition to smart ports requires traditional workers to adapt to new digital tools. This involves training programmes in big data, AI and cybersecurity.

Conclusions

The implementation of IoT in port monitoring is shaping the future of maritime logistics. With smart sensors, digital twins and real-time data platforms, European ports are positioning themselves as global leaders in innovation.

The trend is clear: ports that adopt these technologies will be safer, more efficient and more sustainable, consolidating their position as strategic hubs in an increasingly demanding global trade market.