S.16 Ports and Hubs as Physical Internet Integrators - PILL project

15th June |  09.00 - 10.30 | SESSION 16 | STREAM 2: LOGISTICS NODES: Ports and Airports 

Session Description: 

The Ports and Hubs as Physical Internet Integrators session concerns PI nodes that serve as centroids for switching and connecting various networks such as infrastructural networks as well as business networks. Such interconnected systems rely on interoperability so that different system silos can exchange information and connect all the dots to form the Physical internet. Digitalization plays a crucial role in enabling these transformations which is why open and universal networks need to build on existing standards that contribute to defining semantic and technical interoperability. The Physical Internet Living Lab (PILL) project is one of the first ones to target a hands-on Physical Internet IT prototype within Flemish ports. Coordinated by imec, PILL brings together many relevant industrial players and knowledge centers. The other aspect addressed in this session will be the VIL/VLAIO funding framework which supports projects in line with the physical internet roadmap, highlighting the correlation between the main themes of spearhead cluster for logistics and those of ALICE and its related synergies. The third focus of the session will be on airports which form an imperative pillar connecting national and international freight flows with shorter lead times. As community partner, Air Cargo Belgium developed a roadmap towards the implementation of the PI concept at BRUcargo. Adopting the idea of PI requires amongst others ICT innovations and excellent data governance, but most likely also new business models throughout the whole supply chain. As one of the first air cargo communities adopting the idea of PI, ACB intend to shape the future way of doing business within air cargo in a more digitized, collaborative and sustainable matter. 

Session Agenda 

• Dr. Tomas Ambra, Logistics Research Lead at imec  Physical Internet Living Lab connecting the dots via IT and standards.

The overall objective of the Physical Internet Living Lab (PILL) project is to build an information system prototype that will be needed to establish a maritime port as a part of the Physical Internet (PI). PILL addresses several aspects such as operations in logistics nodes, network resilience, exploitation of IoT and contextual data, transparency levels, as well as establishing business and governance models. The main testbeds concern the Port of Antwerp and Port Zeebrugge. The 21 companies and organizations involved in PILL are a testament to the fact that PILL is grounded by the industry. PILL will be relevant to Port Authorities, Shippers, Terminal operators, Transport providers, Technology integrators, governmental agencies and industry organizations. Each of these entities can derive different types of valorization benefits from the PILL outcomes. These benefit types are 1) implementation in their own business processes, 2) inspiration for future innovation and 3) selling derivates of the deliverables as part of their own value proposition. VLAIO/VIL funding framework as a lever to a PI-reality Logistics in Flanders faces a number of poignant challenges such as lack of space, congestion, a growing concern for the climate, cost of labor and a fiercely competitive environment. In order to meet these challenges, the spearhead cluster focuses on leveraging innovation in four specific domains that align with those of ALICE. Supported by the regional funding scheme managed by VLAIO, VIL develops a roadmap strategy in which effective innovation in its four domains - digital transformation, green supply chains, hinterland connection and last mile - are transferred into concrete projects, together with many of its 600+ members, throughout the complete TRL-range. By aligning these roadmaps with the SENSE PI-roadmap, the ambition is to be at the heart of realizing the PI.

• Kris Neyens, VIL, Flanders´sperhead cluster for logistics. VLAIO/VIL funding framework as a lever to a PI-reality.

Logistics in Flanders faces a number of poignant challenges such as lack of space, congestion, a growing concern for the climate, cost of labor and a fiercely competitive environment. In order to meet these challenges, the spearhead cluster focuses on leveraging innovation in four specific domains that align with those of ALICE. Supported by the regional funding scheme managed by VLAIO, VIL develops a roadmap strategy in which effective innovation in its four domains - digital transformation, green supply chains, hinterland connection and last mile - are transferred into concrete projects, together with many of its 600+ members, throughout the complete TRL-range. By aligning these roadmaps with the SENSE PI-roadmap, the ambition is to be at the heart of realizing the PI.

• Dr. Thomas Van Asch, Strategic Projects Manager at ACB, Physical Internet within the Air Cargo Industry