A Future Perspective for Digitalization of Egyptian Ports (Opportunities and Challenges) Case Study: Alexandria Port Authority

Abstract The adoption of digital technologies at ports has emerged as a key trend in maritime industry, as nations endeavor to achieve economic prosperity through the process of digital transformation. This trend is consistent with worldwide movement towards digitization in various domains. Digitization is an essential element in process of converting surroundings into an intelligent environment. Automated procedures in port operations and trading enables development of advanced and automated terminals, as well as independent port control operations. The aim of paper is to present a proposal to transform port of Alexandria into a smart port and execute necessary measures. The analysis began by classifying Digital revolution into three separate epochs, covering period from 1980 to 2022. An abridged chronicle of crucial occurrences in every generation and their importance. The challenges faced, scientific progress made, and data processing techniques employed in each era. A clarification of the purpose of information technology. In order to improve port operations and maximize efficiency, the analysis also considered the impact and scope of each generation, as well as conducting a comprehensive examination of the concept of smart ports. The BOX-JENKINS methodology, ARIMA models and EVIEW software were used to analyze the time series for the years 2012–2021 through the statistical center of Alexandria Port Authority. The steps of this package were then applied to the study's sample data in the following stages: Identification Phase Model Estimation Phase Forecasting Phase and Prediction of Performance Levels from 2022–2026. In order to establish the requirements for Alexandria Port's transformation into a smart port, a comparison was done between the smart port application already in place at Damietta Port and what was implemented at Singapore, Tangier Med Port and Rotterdam.