Training Program on Smart Ports and Digital Transformation of Ports

Dr. Ajit Salunke, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, conducted a half-day training program on “Smart Ports & Digital Transformation of Ports” for engineers of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) on 25th November 2025 at the port premises.

Dr. Salunke highlighted the rapid digital shift taking place in the global maritime sector and explained how emerging technologies such as Industrial IoT, smart sensors, AI/ML, digital twins, 5G communication, machine vision, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping modern port operations. He elaborated on smart port infrastructure and emphasised the importance of IoT-based sensing, wireless communication systems, and predictive analytics in enhancing efficiency and safety.

The session included detailed case studies from major ports such as Singapore, Tianjin, Vietnam, and Livorno, illustrating practical applications of real-time monitoring, autonomous logistics, and zero-carbon terminal initiatives. India’s progress under Maritime India Vision 2030, particularly AI-enabled land management systems and next-generation command-control centres, was also discussed.

The training provided participants with valuable insights into operational optimisation, safety enhancement, energy management, and the technological advancements required to develop future-ready smart ports

The session, held at one of the Konkan Railway maintenance yards, covered structured problem-solving techniques such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Analysis, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), illustrated through practical mechanical maintenance examples.

A total of 31 participants, including Junior Engineers, Section Engineers, and Senior Section Engineers from units across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, attended the session. The training focused on equipping participants with a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating recurring maintenance issues through data-driven analysis and corrective actions.