Highlights from Day One of DataSmart Shipping Conference – Applying Technology to Extract Value

The DataSmart Shipping event brought together industry experts, professionals, and academics to discuss the future of maritime transport, emphasizing the crucial role of technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping the sector.

The event opened with video presentations from sponsors FTRade and Horus, setting the stage for a day of knowledge-sharing and innovation. This was followed by an inspiring address from Andrew Lorimer, CEO of Datamar, who highlighted how technology can drive business growth. Lorimer emphasized that the right tools can significantly boost productivity, turning tasks that once took hours into matters of seconds.

A key theme throughout the discussions was the ability to extract value from vast data sets. AI-driven data analysis was showcased as a powerful means of generating precise, strategic insights, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

Another highlight was a presentation by Marcos Paulo Silva, CIO of Datamar, who explored preparations for 2025, particularly the role of advanced algorithms in optimizing shipping routes and autonomous maritime transport. Digitalization will continue to transform documentation processes and bureaucracy, laying the foundation for the industry’s future.

Discussions also delved into pressing technological challenges, with a focus on:

1. Modernizing legacy systems
2. Integrating new tools
3. Enhancing cybersecurity
4. Adapting to regulatory frameworks that lag behind technological advancements

Workforce development was identified as a critical challenge, requiring upskilling and reskilling strategies, internal training programs, and professional certifications. Participants underscored the importance of strong ties between academia and industry to drive innovation, with operations research highlighted as a key tool for decision-making support.

Professor Marcos Santos, from IME, presented computational tools used to assess market entry and expansion strategies for shipping lines, demonstrating the value of mathematical models in ensuring transparency and precision in decision-making.

Panel 1

The first panel of DataSmart Shipping featured Rodrigo Lima, Senior Business Executive at Google Cloud, who showcased how AI and computational tools are transforming the maritime sector. He highlighted the use of Cortex and Vertex AI for inventory optimization, the application of generative AI in supply chains to create intelligent routes and enhance fleet distribution, and AI-driven tools for customized reporting and analysis tailored to operational needs.

Lima also shared success stories, such as UPS, which uses Google Cloud to optimize its global logistics network through real-time analysis; Mercado Libre, which reduced delivery times to under 48 hours; and Blue Apron, a New York-based company that improved food safety and shipping efficiency with intelligent route monitoring and quality control throughout the entire process. These examples illustrate how technology is driving greater agility and efficiency in the industry.

Fabiana Morgante de Alencar, IT & Cybersecurity Manager at BTP, discussed how digitalization and data analytics are enhancing port operations and driving the company’s digital maturity. One of BTP’s landmark projects was the implementation of Brazil’s first private 5G network at a container terminal, ensuring seamless connectivity across a 400,000 m² yard. This advancement enables real-time equipment monitoring, optimizes routing, and streamlines operational processes.

BTP has also invested in automation and traceability, boosting operational performance and security. Morgante emphasized the importance of digital literacy and responsible AI adoption, stressing the need for heightened cybersecurity measures when handling sensitive data. These advancements have not only improved efficiency but also reduced costs and operational risks, positioning BTP as a leader in port innovation.

Thiago Santos, Corporate Strategy Director at Grupo Unimar, explored how technology and data analytics are essential for strategic decision-making in container shipping. Drawing on his 20 years of experience at the company, Santos likened the shipping agent to a travel consultant, mitigating risks and maximizing opportunities for clients. He showcased how tools like Datamar’s market intelligence solutions help map supply and demand, conduct predictive analyses, and identify opportunities while filtering out data noise. Santos also reflected on how the pandemic underscored the importance of rapid adaptability in an evolving market.

Following Panel 1, Professor Miguel Lellis, from Casnav, addressed maritime logistics optimization, emphasizing how data-driven models can enhance operational planning and efficiency. He stressed the importance of fostering stronger industry-academia collaboration to tackle challenges like multimodal integration, environmental regulations, and storage management.

Lellis cautioned against blindly adopting advanced technologies without first conducting a thorough analysis of processes and data, advocating for a return-on-investment (ROI)-focused approach to ensure cost reductions and efficiency gains. As an example, he cited a Portuguese project that reduced port operation times by 48% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 41.85%.

Panel 2

The panel led by Gustavo Lacerda Coutinho, from Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal do Brasil), explored the use of technology and government databases to enhance risk analysis, facilitate trade, and improve market intelligence. He detailed projects and systems such as BatDoc and SISAM, designed to boost efficiency and reduce costs in customs inspections.

BatDoc is a simple yet effective solution that streamlines the verification of import and export documents. It cross-references submitted documentation with the data in the Federal Revenue’s system, flagging discrepancies and allowing for faster, more efficient customs clearance.

SISAM, a machine learning system in use since 2015, enhances the selection of declarations for inspection. By leveraging statistical analysis and continuous learning, it identifies patterns of errors—such as misclassification of goods and incorrect tariff rates—helping to reduce the inspection selection rate from 10-12% to 2.2-2.3% in recent years.

The panel also highlighted the use of image analysis technology to detect cargo anomalies and discrepancies between declared and actual shipments.

These projects illustrate how technology is modernizing and optimizing customs operations, facilitating international trade while improving security and tax compliance.

Fernando Serra, from ANTAQ, presented on Risk Identification in Customs: How Data Analysis and AI Detect Trade Fraud. Data analytics and artificial intelligence have become essential tools for identifying risks and combating fraud in international trade. With over two decades of experience in collecting and processing port data, ANTAQ has developed robust systems that not only monitor real-time operations but also provide valuable regulatory and enforcement insights.

By integrating multiple databases—from the Federal Revenue Service to foreign trade records—ANTAQ can cross-check information, detect suspicious patterns, and anticipate potential issues before they arise. Additionally, increased data transparency has allowed market players and academia to access high-quality information, fostering research and the improvement of public policies.

The combination of technology, technical expertise, and specialized teams has enhanced the efficiency of Brazil’s ports, transforming raw data into strategic intelligence for a more secure and transparent trade environment.

Lucas Sanches, from WiseTech Global, addressed Port Data and Statistics: Challenges and Opportunities for Regulatory Agencies. In today’s port sector, data quality and accuracy are crucial for well-informed decision-making and optimized regulatory processes. However, handling millions of records presents a significant challenge for both agencies and industry stakeholders.

The key to unlocking value from this data lies in asking the right questions. Access to vast datasets alone is not enough—it is essential to understand the problem and frame it in well-defined queries, maximizing analytical insights and yielding more relevant results.

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, plays a powerful role in this context. However, the real advantage lies in human expertise—understanding the problem, crafting effective prompts, and critically interpreting AI-generated responses are essential skills for navigating this evolving landscape.

Regulatory agencies that focus on enhancing data quality and accessibility not only improve oversight and transparency but also contribute to a more efficient and competitive business environment.

The future belongs to those who know how to ask the right questions.

Panel 3

Marcelo D’Antona presented on International Collaboration in Port Data Sharing: Lessons for Brazil. He emphasized the importance of efficient information-sharing among industry stakeholders, citing an example from Recife, where a lack of real-time updates on vessel arrivals led to operational inefficiencies. D’Antona highlighted the Port Community System (PCS) of Hamburg, which integrates data from various agencies and countries, improving efficiency, reducing costs, preventing errors, and enhancing port management. He also discussed the use of IoT and digital twins to optimize port planning and operations, citing a case where an automated decision-making system helped a company save tons of fuel and millions of dollars.

He concluded by stressing the benefits of an integrated and digitalized system to enhance port operations, particularly in managing large vessel arrivals. The complexity of this process demands automated and precise decision-making, as demonstrated by Hamburg’s substantial cost savings.

Roberto Paveck, a port sector specialist, shared his experiences on collaborative initiatives and data sharing in ports, highlighting the importance of fostering cooperation among companies. He argued that collaboration is often more effective than new technology in unlocking opportunities within the port industry. Drawing from his tenure at the Santos Port Authority, Paveck discussed the NAP (Innovation Regulation), which enabled cooperation agreements with startups—not through direct funding but via data and information-sharing. This collaborative environment led to innovations such as a digital twin of the Port of Santos, utilizing bathymetric data from tugboats. The initiative yielded positive outcomes, with some startups securing investment and industry recognition.

Roberto also addressed two major opportunities for the port sector: reducing truck idleness and implementing Port Community Systems (PCS). He explained how collaborative logistics, which involves sharing assets and information, can help mitigate the issue of empty return trips for trucks, cutting logistics costs by up to 20%. Regarding PCS, he highlighted the benefits of system integration to streamline information flow at ports, citing examples such as reduced bureaucracy and significant cost savings observed in countries like the Netherlands and Dubai. However, he also emphasized the challenges of fostering effective collaboration within the port environment, where diverse corporate cultures and conflicting interests exist. He underscored the importance of a shared vision and a neutral port authority to lead these collaborative initiatives.

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