Splash247: AD Ports eyes smarter berth planning with AI collaboration

AD Ports Group is stepping up its digital push, teaming up with NYU Abu Dhabi to develop an AI-powered system aimed at improving how ports handle vessel calls.

The multi-year research partnership will focus on building a high-fidelity intelligence engine designed to support day-to-day operational decisions, from predicting vessel arrival times to optimising berth allocation and tracking emissions.

The system will combine stochastic modelling with spatial analytics, giving port operators a clearer picture of incoming traffic and how best to manage it. The goal is to reduce uncertainty around port calls — an issue that continues to drive congestion and waiting times across major hubs.

Global berth delays can stretch into days at anchorage, tying up tonnage and adding costs across the supply chain. AD Ports said improving planning accuracy could unlock additional capacity without the need for physical expansion.

By better aligning arrival times with berth availability, the system is also expected to cut idle time and fuel burn, helping reduce emissions tied to port operations.

Group chief digital and information officer Mohamed Jamal-Eddine said the initiative fits into a broader strategy to move towards predictive, data-led operations.

“By integrating our deep expertise in port operations with advanced predictive arrival intelligence, we are accelerating the move towards more reliable and efficient decision-making,” he said.

The project will initially be piloted across selected terminals and trade lanes within AD Ports’ network, with a view to scaling the solution more widely if results meet expectations.

For its part, NYU Abu Dhabi will contribute research and modelling expertise, led by academic teams working on data-driven logistics optimisation.

Provost Arlie Peters said the collaboration is aimed at linking academic work with real-world applications in port and logistics operations.

The partnership reflects a wider trend across the industry, where ports are increasingly turning to data and automation to deal with rising volumes, tighter turnaround expectations and growing pressure to cut emissions.

If successful, the initiative could offer a practical route to smoother port calls — reducing waiting times at anchorage while improving overall efficiency without adding new infrastructure.