European Space Agency: Enhancing Port Safety and Efficiency Through Space

ESA Invites Tenders To Develop And Deploy Innovative Solutions That Enhance Port Safety And Efficiency. The Call For Proposals Welcomes Submissions For Feasibility Studies And Demonstration Projects

• Feasibility Studies – which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services
• Demonstration Projects – dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services

The main objective is to develop space-based services and applications which address the challenges facing ports by taking advantage of data and innovative technologies.

This call aims to support industry in the development of services focused on increasing the safety of the personnel during ports-related operations, enhancing security measures, and improving efficiencies around operations and the movement of passengers and goods.

We Are Seeking Business Ideas That Demonstrate

• Clear market opportunities and customer needs
• Commercially viable service concepts
• Feasible technical solutions
• Effective use of space data or technology
• Teams with strong business, technical, and financial expertise

In order to apply, the Bidder shall submit first an Activity Pitch Questionnaire, and following evaluation (usually within 10 working days), may be invited to submit the Outline Proposal (up to 2 months later) and subsequent Full Proposal (up to 4 months after Outline Proposal).

• Funded participation to ESA Business Applications is open to any company and/or organisation, be it as group of users, public body or non-governmental organisation, residing in any of those states that subscribe to the BASS programme (this includes the UK).
• Ports face various challenges, including congestion, infrastructure limitations, safety and security, digitalisation, connectivity and environmental concerns. These challenges can lead to delays, disruptions, and increased costs. Ports worldwide are increasingly implementing policies and strategies that enhance the efficiency, safety and security of their operations, recognising the added value offered by digitalisation and related technologies.

Innovative solutions which enhance marine environment monitoring, improve operational efficiency, and bolster safety and security measures are required. These solutions will rely on seamless connectivity within the port digital ecosystem and will seek to integrate he diverse platforms and vehicles into a cohesive system.

• The following topics are examples of relevant themes that could be addressed within this Call for Proposals. Other topics can also be proposed if supported by the user community.
• Port safety: this topic is related to the safety of the terminal personnel during loading and unloading operations as well as the safety of ships throughout their stay in the port. There could also be applications related to emergency responses in the event of safety-threatening situations occurring at the port or for ships approaching the port.
• Port Security: Port security measures are required to protect ports, cargo, and personnel from threats such as terrorism, theft, and vandalism and to ensure international treaties are enforced properly. As ports are large, international hubs with high volumes of shipments, and access to new markets, smuggling remains a challenge, with newer security methods integrating several different systems.
• Port Automation: Autonomous vehicles, such as terminal tractors, are increasingly being used for horizontal transportation to enhance efficiency and safety in container terminals. Equipped with various sensors that utilise sensor fusion, and integrating information from multiple sources, these vehicles can accurately interpret their environment for informed decision-making, even when there is poor visibility or congestion.
• Movement of passengers: Ports serve as crucial points in the transportation system but often face issues with congested infrastructure and limited capacity for expansion. Autonomous vehicles could be implemented in ports for passenger transportation to improve safety, efficiency, and cost savings. Passengers may have the opportunity to use autonomous vehicles to travel from the port premises to nearby airports, terminals or rail stations.
• Movement of Goods: Automation in ports is crucial, resulting in faster and more precise handling of container traffic compared with manually-operated equipment. It enhances control over logistics, with simplified planning and tracking resulting in more predictable and reliable operations. Autonomous vehicles are designed to optimise efficiency, helping to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Satellite technologies and data, integrated with other digital technologies, have a significant role to play in prospective services addressing port-related challenges.
• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enables innovative applications for the tracking and tracing of vehicles and goods through precise positioning, navigation, and timing. It can provide:

• route optimisation solutions through real-time location data
• monitoring for fleets of vehicles and goods
• the navigation of robots, autonomous vehicles and drones,
• georeferencing and geolocation information
• data to ensure the accuracy and safety of flight operations.

If you would like to find a project partner, or to contact the UK National Delegation, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team.

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