Evaluation of Feasibility and Reality of Smart Port Perspective for Bangladesh

Abstract

A seaport is a maritime facility equipped with docks, cranes, and storage facilities for international trade, where vessels load and unload cargo, containers, and passengers. In contemporary times, seaports serve as indispensable hubs for global commerce, facilitating the import and export of a wide array of commodities. As the primary interface between nations, ports play a pivotal role in the global economy, with more than 75% of international trade transiting through them. The fundamental functions of seaports encompass operations, surveillance, cargo and container handling, customs procedures, warehousing, transport, ship services, and security measures. Notable ports such as Houston, Los Angeles, Shanghai, PSA, DP World, and Rotterdam manage substantial volumes of goods promptly across the globe. Simultaneously, ports within Bangladesh, including Chattogram, Mongla, Payra, and Matar-Bari, are critical to regional commerce. The efficacy of ports is reflected in their ability to meet defined objectives. Presently, smart ports are markedly efficient, as they
incorporate assessments that optimize operational, managerial, and cost-related benefits. Recognizing the potential of smart ports is essential, given that even minor disruptions in cargo movement at major maritime ports can exert far-reaching effects. Furthermore, technological advancements are enhancing maritime navigation and environmental monitoring. This study underscores existing research gaps in Bangladesh’s port sector. It aims to evaluate the benefits and challenges of smart ports, as well as strategies for their effective implementation and development.