Technological forecasting of port digitalization using patent analysis

The rapid growth of cargo volumes has highlighted the increasing importance of marine terminals. To enhance efficiency and productivity, the port technology sector has been actively adopting digital technologies. However, despite the growing need for continuous innovation, there is a lack of studies analyzing quantitative data on digital technologies in ports. To address this gap, through a port patent analysis, this study aims to identify promising technological areas, as well as promising new technologies that require further research and development. Using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm for topic modeling, we identify four key technological areas in port digitalization: (1) Intelligent vessel condition monitoring, (2) Shipping wireless communication network, (3) Port operations optimization, and (4) Container inspection and monitoring. Moreover, we apply Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM) to visualize the technological landscape. This revealed technological vacuums in intelligent vessel condition monitoring and port operations optimization. By providing a quantitative analysis of port digital technologies, based on 989 relevant patents extracted from 35,410 records, this study offers insights into technological trends and uncovers areas for future innovation. The findings are expected to guide innovation in port-related technologies, contributing to more efficient port operations and advancements in the maritime sector.