A Conceptual Digital Twin Framework: Design Guidelines for a Smart Port Gate Context

This study proposes a conceptual Digital Twin (DT) framework tailored to smart gate operations in container terminals, addressing an under-explored yet critical area of port logistics. While the application of Digital Twins has seen a marked increase in the domains of manufacturing and large-scale infrastructure, their utilization within gate-level operations remains underdeveloped. To address this gap, the proposed framework synthesizes insights from existing data-driven (DT) architectures and adapts them to the specific context of container terminal gate management. The resulting model is structured into five layers, ranging from the physical environment to decision support. A set of guiding questions is also provided to assist in system design, stakeholder alignment, and prototype planning. The framework under consideration emphasizes modularity, intending to support early-stage planning and system integration. The proposed initiative is consistent with international standards and best practices, thereby ensuring relevance and adaptability. The work’s primary contributions are the enhancement of the understanding of DT applications at the gate level and the provision of a practical tool to inform subsequent development stages. Future work involves real-world validation and stakeholder engagement.