Muscat: Sohar Port represented Oman’s shipping and logistics sector at Hypermotion Dubai, a unique platform that connected founders, disruptors and true innovators to discuss cutting-edge technology.
Held as part of Expo Dubai 2020, the panel discussion focused on the GCC’s emergence as a drones hub where Eng. Sufyan Al Mamari, Senior Engineer of Asset Management at Sohar Port and Freezone outlined the success of the port so far with drone technology. He was joined by Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Foundation; Rabih Bou Rached, CEO, Falcon Eye Drones (FEDS); and Michael Anger, CTO and Founder, Unisphere, in a discussion moderated by Lucy Hedges, Technology Journalist with Metro UK and BBC.
Ali Al Yamani- Executive Technical Manager at Sohar, said, “We have seen the impact that cutting-edge technology can have on our industry and drive efficiencies throughout the sector. There are important research and trial studies being undertaken at ports around the world to discover the capabilities of drones and how they can be applied to our operations. Sohar Port hosts more than 3,000 vessel calls each year with a gross registered tonnage of approximately 85 million. To continue growing, we need to become more digital and maximise our resources, and drone and AI technology can be a seamless solution to our operations.”
Sohar became the first in the Sultanate of Oman to adopt drone technology as part of the port’s essential monitoring system. Allowing real-time observation and analysis of the infrastructure, security and environmental situation across the docks, drones have proven efficient and capable of reaching areas humans cannot while offering a new perspective of the entire complex.
Additionally, the use of remote-controlled drones offers an eagle-eye view that can detect, photograph and record any damages which allow for teams to respond quickly to specific areas. The technology even allows for algorithm-based analysis of changes to the infrastructure which leads to greater preventative maintenance and problem solving to be carried out throughout the complex.
Covering deep waters as well, underwater drones are used to inspect and perform maintenance tasks, especially in areas where it is too difficult, dangerous or undesirable to use manned solutions, such as under jetties, bridges and alongside or underneath vessels. Equipped with a camera, the small unmanned vehicles can send images to the quay where problems can be solved quickly and up-to-the-minute status reports can be compiled. This data-driven approach has helped Sohar Port maximise efficiency and predict future maintenance through lifecycle reports which also allows port engineers to plan upgrades and guard against potential service interruptions.
Sohar Port is one of the fastest-growing port and freezone complexes in the world and has invested in cutting-edge technology to maximise efficiency, increase output and lead the expansion and modernisation of the Sultanate’s logistics sector. By becoming future-ready, Sohar Port has been able to attract new clients, increase cargo traffic and expand Oman’s global trade capacity, which includes welcoming the world’s largest container vessels, in support of the national economic priorities within Oman’s 2040 Vision.
