The constant evolution of tech is opening up new possibilities, allowing us to constantly improve.

But technology is only as good as the people who use it, reflecting their creativity and expertise.

Jason Hwang, Senior Director, Engineering and IT at Pusan Newport Company (PNC), which DP World majority owns, is responsible for maintaining the equipment and technology infrastructure for PNC’s port operations.

And it’s fair to say he falls into the category of ‘tech evangelist’.

“Nothing is impossible. If we can define the problem, we can find the solution with technology,” he says.

Everything from cranes and container handlers to the terminal operating system (TOS) and radio communication falls under his purview. And he is resolute about using technology to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in port operations.

“As an engineer, I often work on difficult projects. I get a great sense of accomplishment when I successfully complete them and that’s why I work with technology – it makes it easier for me to reach my targets,” he says.

Jason works with many parts of the business to streamline processes

AI-powered solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the top of the list of the technology helping him meet those aims. It is already in use in multiple places around the port – and the more such tools are rolled out, the more new ideas are spawned for their expanded use.

“AI will be central to our business in the future,” Jason says. “For example, in the past, we had to manage data from the TOS with a manual plan which made the process time-consuming and prone to human error. AI, on the other hand, is far more efficient. It can process data quickly and more accurately, and the AI will keep learning.”

The TOS AI system helps stack containers more efficiently to avoid unnecessary and unproductive shuffling. The load is distributed more evenly on equipment, reducing waiting time.

It also means the nature of jobs in the port is evolving. Workers can now be given more time to do other, potentially more interesting, tasks. And there is better work-life balance, with more consistency in workloads and less pressure to do overtime as resources are more effectively managed.

Technology and AI can also assist humans in doing difficult tasks, increasing productivity as a result. For example, a quay crane driver can spend a lot of time aligning with the cell guide. Lidar lets the driver know how much more adjustment is needed, making the process quicker and improving productivity by at least 10%.

Lidar helps quay crane operators guide containers into the correct position

Jason is particularly proud of a project to introduce AI-powered CCTV around cranes to enhance the safety of frontline workers. Sometimes people must be underneath cranes, but it can be dangerous if the cranes are also moving heavy containers. With the introduction of the new AI monitoring system, a crane will immediately stop if movement is detected underneath it, and an alarm is sounded. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and ensures greater safety for workers.

Other examples of technology in action around the port include optical character recognition, allowing containers on quay cranes to be identified. Lidar laser scanning is also helping to improve safety and efficiency around quay cranes.

The implementation of ‘idle, stop, go’ technology on vehicles using liquified natural gas is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as making savings on the cost of fuel, by automatically cutting the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.

This not only helps port operations become more sustainable but also makes for a nicer working environment, with less fumes and noise.

Idle, stop, go technology on LNG vehicles helps reduce emissions

A confluence of technologies

Innovation and collaboration are key to Jason’s job. When he identifies an issue – whether a problem, potential improvement or an efficiency gain – his first step is brainstorming solutions with colleagues. This often includes drawing on ways other ports in the DP World network have used technology to solve similar issues.

Jason will talk to technology providers to see what products are available, working through the pros and cons of each solution and any bespoke elements needed. As logistics becomes increasingly digital, he has to act as a conductor, ensuring all technologies work harmoniously.

“A major part of my job is systems integration,” Jason says. “I have to manage how to control and progress these technologies together.”

He believes technology is the solution that will bring about greater efficiencies and help future-proof supply chain logistics. It could also change how we work in ways we haven’t thought of yet. For example,  the remote QC with Lidar came about when the team realised they had developed a solution with much broader applications than originally intended.

As Jason says: “I like thinking about how technology can change the world. Often it starts with the small things, but those things can develop, and then we can achieve much bigger things.”