Port of Barcelona launches digital knowledge hub

The Port of Barcelona has launched PierNext, a digital knowledge hub that provides information on the technological and digital transformation of the port sector.

PierNext aims to stimulate global debate on the future of international trade, logistics and ports and intends to be a platform for analysis and reflection on innovation.

Carles Rúa, head of strategic projects and innovation at the Port of Barcelona, said: “We want to make PierNext an open platform for all people and organisations interested in contributing and sharing ideas.”

PierNext contains seven sections, which correspond to the six main elements of the smart port model (logistics, mobility, economy, environment, people and governance) and one more (technology).

Rúa said the technology section was added because of its “cross-cutting nature” and to highlight innovations with a significant technological or digital component.

The digital knowledge hub will be updated with weekly content presented in the form of reports, accompanied by videos, infographics and other graphical recourses.

PierNext is part of the Digital Port project which was launched last year to promote the digitisation of the port environment which has defined 54 priority initiatives currently in varying phases of execution.

Port of Barcelona president Mercè Conesa said: “Innovation and the digital revolution that is transforming our sector will be one of the axes defining the strategy of the Port of Barcelona in the years to come, which we consider to be full of opportunities and potentialities, mainly for start-ups and SMEs.”