Portuguese ports are among the most technologically innovative in the world

A pioneer, the 3Port software tool developed by the Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science ( INESCT TEC ), supports the range of business processes of port authorities, from port traffic to security, including licensing. It also includes a public interface, which allows all interested parties to follow, in real time, the activity in the port.

Since September, the ports of Leixões and Viana do Castelo have been using this innovative tool, in a pilot initiative that makes them two of the most technologically advanced ports in the world. The expectation is that 3Port will become an indispensable tool for the technical services of port authorities, ensuring greater efficiency in processes, greater support for decision-making and reduced operating costs. Together, these effects could drive sustainable growth in port activities. 

The publicly accessible side of 3Port, based on the module Live Map (one of the eight modules that make up 3Port), is an excellent way to promote the port to the general public. Provides free, real-time information on port traffic; this information is easily integrated with panoramic views of the harbor, with the Google and with the social network Facebook. Live Map also has the facility to be adapted to mobile devices (tablets and smartphones), without having to download an application, as the system is adaptable to any browser. 3Port itself is based on technology open source web.

The INESC TEC team in this project, led by Lino Oliveira, highlights the technology transfer triangle created, on which the success of the project is based: INESCT TEC as the research center, producer of innovation; the company TRIEDE TTI as the recipient of the innovation and producer of the solution; and the Administration of the Ports of Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo (APDL) as the solution taker and who identifies the requirements. 

There are good prospects for the expansion of 3Port to other ports, in Portugal and abroad. The tool has already been presented in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Angola, having received high recognition; The objectives of the researchers and TRIEDE TTI include the CPLP countries and Latin America. 

This year, 2015, marks the 30th anniversary of INESCT TEC, one of the national research centers that has funding from FCT. Over the last three decades, INESCT TEC, which brings together 12 centers and 700 researchers, has been able, with great success, to apply the knowledge and results generated in fundamental research in technology transfer projects, with a notable impact on society and the economy. In the latest evaluation of R&D units carried out by the FCT, INESC TEC was among the 60 centers classified as Excellent .

(Image credits: INESC TEC)