Episode 13
Building a digital nervous system with data and AI at Port of Antwerp-Bruges with Erwin Verstraelen & Pieter Van Bouwel
78 minutes
In this episode, Davio Larnout, CEO at Superlinear, engages in an insightful conversation with Erwin Verstraelen, Vice President of Innovation, and Pieter Van Bouwel, Team Lead Data Science, from Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Together, they uncover how one of Europe’s largest ports is reshaping itself into a “digital nervous system,” integrating data, AI, and real-time insights. From integrating drones, to tackling complex challenges like nautical chain optimization and autonomous shipping to leveraging AI-powered tools like “Apica”, their virtual assistant, this conversation dives into the transformative power of innovation. What does the future hold for sustainable, efficient port operations? Tune in to explore the fascinating intersection of technology and the maritime industry.
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Main takeaways:
1. The Digital Nervous System of PoAB
Erwin and Pieter shared how the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is building a “digital nervous system” to monitor, analyze, and act on real-time data across its vast operations. By integrating AI, IoT, and digital twins, the port enhances situational awareness, ensuring safety, efficiency, and proactive decision-making across a 120-square-kilometer area.
2. AI-Powered Nautical Chain Optimization
The team explained their groundbreaking work on optimizing the nautical chain. Using AI to coordinate the complex interactions of pilots, locks, tugboats, and dock management, PoAB aims to create a holistic planning system that minimizes delays, prevents cascading failures, and improves operational efficiency.
3. Generative AI and Virtual Assistants
PoAB has developed Apica, a virtual assistant powered by generative AI, integrated with internal databases to assist employees with data queries and insights. Unlike public tools like ChatGPT, Apica ensures secure, context-specific responses, streamlining operations and inspiring wider AI adoption across the organization.
4. Autonomous Drones and Shipping
The port is leading innovation in autonomous solutions, from drones detecting oil spills to remote-piloted barges addressing labor shortages. These initiatives not only improve safety and efficiency but also position PoAB as a pioneer in integrating autonomous technologies into critical infrastructure.
5. The Importance of Foundations for AI Success
Erwin and Pieter emphasized the critical role of solid data architecture, governance, and MLOps in achieving AI-driven innovation. By focusing on building robust foundations early, PoAB has been able to rapidly adopt new technologies, such as large language models, and scale their applications effectively.