Introduction

An Artificial Intelligence Port is designed to leverage cutting-edge technologies that will enable automated and efficient container handling, predictive maintenance and enhanced security measures, setting new standards in operational efficiency, decrease carbon emissions and environmental sustainability.

Artificial Intelligence ports use digital AI technologies for system automation, safety and security improvements, vessel route, vessel turnaround time and container dwell time optimization. As well as for accurate estimated time of arrival forecasts, real-time performance forecasts and to create a Digital Twin of their port (a real-time digital representation of the port operations).  

There are IoT sensors measuring water movement, turbidity and pressure to ensure their activities are complying with the environmental water standards. 

There will be intelligent control systems and sustainable technology and unmanned vehicles and automated yard cranes which will help port safety and efficiency and reduce traffic.  

The TANCO's proposed smart AI container port will be supported by a 480-acre landbank owned by Tanco, eliminating additional land acquisition costs. The site is strategically located at the midway of the Straits of Malacca and features a natural deep-water access with more than 21 meters in depth that is 1.8 km from the shoreline, is capable of accommodating the largest container ships globally. This strategic advantage is critical, as the Straits of Malacca is one of the busiest straits in the world and positions Negeri Sembilan to capitalize on this bustling maritime route.

5 March 2024

Malaysia’s first smart artificial intelligence (AI) container port will be built in Port Dickson at an estimated cost of RM2 billion.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the cost was fully borne by Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tanco Holdings Bhd, which is a partner of the Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan Inc (MBINS) for the project.

Aminuddin said the construction of the port had an impact on the national and state economy, especially the expected 5,000 new job opportunities in various fields.

Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Midports Holdings managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan and executive director Datuk Andy Chuah.

Aminuddin said the port construction area has been gazetted as Port Limits by the federal government since 22 August 2017. 

He said the construction of this port could boost the nation’s logistics and marine transport services industry due to its strategic location close to the KL International Airport (KLIA).

In addition, the port’s position is also strategically located with a network of roads and highways that connect to industrial areas around Senawang, Nilai, Sepang (Selangor) and Melaka.

“Port Dickson is not only known as the Army City but will be known as the ‘New Port City’ as a domestic and international sea transport network,“ he said.

According to Aminuddin, trading directly with Sumatra through Dumai can also be done quicker in terms of distance and time.

Aminuddin said the AI technology adopted must have an optimal impact on the entire chain of marine and cargo services such as registration of entry and exit of ships, scheduling of ship movements and tracking of marine operations around the port.

“With this AI technology, all port operations are no longer done manually.

This will increase efficiency and reduce human error as well as the rate of accidents during operations,“ he said, adding that the system will analyze traffic data, demand and the latest trends to help implement strategic decisions at one time,” he said.

The offshore area has a natural topography suitable for the construction of a port with a depth of up to 20 metres and a distance of approximately 1.85 km from shore,“ he said at the signing ceremony of the joint venture agreement between MBINS and Midports Holdings for the development of the Smart AI Container Port.

Tanco Holdings Group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Juan Suan said this port in Port Dickson is a testament to their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“The integration of advanced AI and smart technologies will enhance our logistics capabilities and ecosystem and position Malaysia as a leader in automated and sustainable port operations,” he added.

The smart AI container port also offers logistical advantages by significantly reducing transport costs for gateway containers for businesses currently dependent on distant ports and enhancing speed and efficiencies for transshipment containers. This strategic proximity is also expected to decrease carbon emissions, demonstrating Tanco's contribution to sustainable practices.

“We have started our groundwork and invited foreign industrialists to the smart AI container port location. These industrialists have expressed positive feedback and interest for the potential development of new industrial park(s) in close proximity to the smart AI container port in order to establish a more conducive trade and logistic ecosystem to accelerate the state’s industrialization plans,” said Tan.

He added that they plan for Midports Holding Sdn. Bhd. to seek permission from the relevant Malaysian authorities to undertake an infrastructure listing in the local stock exchange in due course.

Tanco to List Unit Developing RM2bil AI Port in Port Dickson

6 March 2024

Tanco Holdings Bhd plans to undertake an “infrastructure listing” of its subsidiary, which is building a RM2 billions smart container port in Port Dickson.

In a statement yesterday, Tanco said it will be seeking permission from relevant authorities to float Midports Holdings Sdn. Bhd, a 79%-owned unit of Tanco, in Bursa Malaysia in due course.

Midports, via a tie-up with the Negri Sembilan state government, will build the port, dubbed as Malaysia’s first artificial intelligence (AI) port on Tanco’s 480-acre landbank.

The site, located at the midway of the Straits of Malacca, features a natural deep-water access with more than 21 m in depth and is capable of accommodating the largest container ships globally.

On 4 March 2024, Midports entered into a joint venture (JV) with Menteri Besar Negri Sembilan (Pemerbadanan) (MBINS) to develop the container port.

Following this, a JV company will be set up to undertake the construction and future operations of the port.

The JV company will be 80% owned by Midports with the balance 20% by MBINS.

Tanco group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Juan Suan said the AI port will offer logistical advantages.

This will be done by significantly reducing transportation costs for gateway containers for businesses currently dependent on distant ports.

It will also enhance speed and efficiency for transshipment containers.

“We have started our groundwork and invited foreign industrialists to the smart AI container port location.

“These industrialists have expressed positive feedback and interest for the potential development of new industrial park(s) in close proximity to the smart AI container port in order to establish a more conducive trade and logistic ecosystem to accelerate the state’s industrialization plans,” he said.

Tan further noted that the port’s proximity to industrial hubs is also expected to decrease carbon emissions, demonstrating Tanco’s contribution to sustainable practices.

Competitive Advantages

Natural Deep Water

Features a natural deep water of more than 21 meters in depth that is 1.8 km from the shoreline, capable to accommodate the largest container ships.

Strategic Location

Strategically located at the midway of the Straits of Malacca which is one of the busiest straits in the world.

Ready Infrastructure

Road access and utilities, i.e. water and electricity, are in place.

Tanco, CCCC Dredging (Group) join hands to develop Malaysia’s first smart AI container port

07 Jun 2024: 

Tanco Holdings Bhd's 79%-owned subsidiary Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CCCC Dredging Co Ltd (CDC) for the development of Malaysia’s First Smart AI Container Port in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

According to a statement, China-based CDC, the world's largest marine engineering company, is a specialised sub-group of China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), the world’s leading ultra-large infrastructure comprehensive service provider.

Tanco said Midports has obtained approval in principle from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia to develop the SMART AI Container Port, which aims to inject new vitality into the local economy and international trade, enhancing the region's port services.

"The construction of this port will contribute to Malaysia's goal of establishing a modern and efficient port hub, accelerating economic development in Negeri Sembilan and bolstering Malaysia's global trade position," it added.

This comes following the joint venture agreement announced on 27 February 2024, between Midports and Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Perbadanan) (MBINS) for the reclamation works necessary for the project.

“This collaboration with CCCC Dredging marks a pivotal step towards realizing our vision of a world-class port in Port Dickson. The expertise and resources brought by CCCC Dredging will ensure the successful implementation of this project, which is set to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in the region," said Tanco group managing director Datuk Sri Andrew Tan Juan Suan.

Top 10 AI Ports in the World

https://sinay.ai/en/top-10-smart-ports-around-the-world/

1. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)

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2. Port of Hamburg (Germany)

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3. Port of Antwerp (Belgium)

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4. Port of Singapore

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5. Port of Shanghai (China)

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Port of Shanghai Deep Water Port is the world’s largest automated container terminal. This includes cranes, trucks and vehicle automations.  

This port uses the 5G network, a key Smart Port technology.

Port of Shanghai is considered one of the most technologically advanced ports. 

The port is also aiming to create green and high-tech terminals.  

6. Port Le Havre Haropa (France)

7. Port of Los Angeles (USA)

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Port of Los Angeles already uses autonomous cranes and container trucks to transport cargo within the terminal.

Cyber resilience centre at their port helps to reduce risks of cyber security issues with cargo and information sharing. This will help the port to make their cargo flow more efficiently and securely.  

8. Copenhagen Malmo Port (Denmark)

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9. Port of Valencia (Spain)

10. Port of Barcelona (Spain)

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Managing Director Acquiring TANCO Shares in Open Market

(There must be something which is very positive which shareholders do not know.)