Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola: Digital solutions in maritime logistics

Maritime logistics: Embracing green transition and data sharing

Shipping has been a global business for thousands of years, evolving from ancient sailing vessels into today’s modern, interconnected industry. At present, two key priorities dominate maritime logistics: 1) the green transition, which focuses on reducing CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, and 2) the sharing and utilization of data. Enhanced information exchange among shipbrokers, shipping companies, ports, and authorities strengthens coordination, improves sustainability, and fosters both collaboration and innovation.

Toward digital tools

According to a report by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / International Development Association and The World Bank, there are various global initiatives driving the digitalization of maritime trade logistics. These include port call optimization and maritime single windows, cybersecurity solutions, health-related digital measures (f.e. Digital Health Security), port community systems, port management systems, and “Smartport” disruption strategies. Some of the digital initiatives are voluntary and business-driven, while others are mandatory and regulated.

Finland has been a leading developer of ship-to-shore digitalization, particularly in port call optimization and the maritime single window. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) has taken an active in these Finnish maritime digitalization efforts.

Port call optimization tool: Port Activity App

The Port Activity App (POLO Port Activity concept) is a mobile application providing real-time information on a vessel’s port operations, from arrival to berth occupancy and departure. Its origins trace back to the 2016 European Maritime Days in Turku. The first version of the app was created through the Interreg Central Baltic-funded “Efficient Flow” project, using a Software as a Service (SaaS) concept, wherein the service provider manages all required resources.

After the Efficient Flow project ended in 2021, Fintraffic VTS assumed the role of SaaS provider, while Unikie Ltd. became the technical provider. In June 2024, the Port Activity App became part of Fintraffic’s  POLO service package. Over the years, functionalities of the app have expanded to include berth planning, invoicing, and other port services based on local needs. The app has received multiple national and international awards and has been successfully exported to other countries. POLO Port Activity exemplifies a business-driven, voluntary digital service in maritime logistics.

Sustainable process development of the Finnish Maritime Single Window (NEMO)

A Maritime Single Window (MSW) is a centralized platform for collecting and sharing information related to a vessel’s port call, covering arrival, stay, and departure. As of 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all Member States to implement a MSW. In the European Union, a 2019 mandate established the European Maritime Single Window environment (EMSWe), compelling each member state to develop its own “Maritime National Single Window.”

Finland’s national system, known as the Finnish Maritime Single Window “NEMO,” is currently under development and will be in use in 2026. SAMK’s Maritime Logistics Research Center is participating in this process as part of the “NEMO CEF” project, funded by the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (22-FI-TG-NEMO-EMSW). The project is led by Fintraffic VTS, with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) as an associated partner. SAMK oversees process development, stakeholders’ expectations and skills development, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) design, and maritime pilot cases. A key theme in the NEMO CEF project is ensuring sustainability from the perspectives of planet, people, and profit.

The Future of maritime digitalization

Maritime digitalization has advanced rapidly over the past five years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging in areas such as predicting vessels’ virtual port arrivals and estimated times of arrival. Both voluntary (business-driven) and mandatory (regulatory) digital platforms in maritime logistics will increasingly integrate AI in the coming years, shaping a more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven industry.