A new study conducted by Kalé Logistics reveals that only five percent of ports globally have fully implemented a Port Community System (PCS). This research was introduced at the World Ports and Harbors Conference held by the International Association of Ports and Harbors.
Barriers to Digitalization Adoption in Ports
According to the report "Port Digital Readiness and Stakeholder Acceptance of Port Community Systems," half of the respondents identified customs as the primary barrier to digitalization adoption, while 35 percent pointed to other government entities. Vineet Malhotra, one of the founders and CEO of Kalé, stated that ports face greater challenges in the supply chain, congestion, workforce fluctuations, and compliance requirements, and technology alone cannot resolve these pressures while information remains fragmented between organizations and regulatory systems.
Read more: Publication of the Fourteenth Issue of the Carbon Reduction Journal by Koreans
Need for Reforms and Greater Collaboration
Malhotra also noted that the next phase of port digitalization requires collaboration among policymakers, human resources, and technology. He emphasized that authorities must enable the exchange of reliable data and ensure that emerging markets do not fall behind in this process.
Port Community Systems help connect public and private organizations in a port through a shared digital environment, allowing data to be securely exchanged and reused to reduce paperwork, congestion, and delays, while improving cargo coordination.
This research, which includes surveys of stakeholders from port authorities, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government officials, points to the need for regulatory reforms, improved digital skills, and greater collaboration in port communities. According to this study, 79 percent of respondents reported that their port does not have a fully operational PCS, and 22 percent identified digital skills gaps as a barrier to adoption.
Kalé believes that broader adoption can provide port communities with the real-time information and coordination necessary to manage disruptions, improve cargo flows, and build more resilient trade corridors. Kalé also offers its digital platforms to over 75 seaports in 50 countries worldwide.
Read more: SLB Introduced Nano Chemical Technology ChampionX for Mature Wells · TotalEnergies Announced Collaboration with Petronas, Sonangol, and OIL to Reduce Methane
