By Thomas Vitsounis
The ports sector traditionally isn’t keen on being ‘disrupted’, and the relatively slow development of mobile apps seems to reflect that conservatism. But this year has seen a flurry of announcements of new apps – and that is significant.
When it comes to the shipping industry and other parts of the supply chain, I can see some obvious trends, winners and start-ups in the area of apps.
In general terms, the use of apps will change the industry and everyone knows that. When it comes to ports themselves, things have so far moved slowly – but there has been a remarkable change.
In general terms, the use of apps will change the industry and everyone knows that. When it comes to ports themselves, things have so far moved slowly – but there has been a remarkable change.
At a conference two years ago, I started talking about start-ups and digital disruption and I could see in the audience there wasn’t a very good reaction. But in the past year, it is tremendous how quickly this industry has shifted. Ports are now thinking in these terms. There is some distance to go but it is absolutely essential to move in that direction.
In most cases we won’t see global port apps, but will more likely see terminal operators or ports developing their own applications which will have local use. Ports would do well to take a look at successful apps in other industries; often they can be adapted to solve a similar problem in the ports sector.
For the ports industry, it is very early days, which makes it very exciting. Everyone knows the major trends and where the big problems are. The technology is ready to go.
This will become huge and will create a new framework for further competition.
I can see in a few years’ time, ports, shipping lines and all in the industry will put more and more emphasis on their applications, because that will make the difference between a good company and a great company.
Thomas Vitsounis views were first published @PortStrategy
