129 Building and Operating Modern Infrastructure Singapore Port Implements a Digital Twin to “Know Exactly What’s Going On” For the gleaming city of Singapore, Jurong Port is the bustling hub for cargo that fuels the city-state’s vibrant growth. Jurong Port is a multipurpose port, handling general, bulk and containerized cargo. From construction materials and heavy machinery to livestock and essential raw materials, the port is a lifeline in handling shipments into the economic powerhouse. Handling bulk cargo, however, presents unique challenges compared to more straightforward container shipments. Unlike the latter, where autonomous machines handle most of the loading and unloading, bulk cargo requires crews and a handson approach. Each shipment can bring its own set of challenges—be it a load of industrial pipes, steel plates, machinery, or steel reinforcement bars for construction— making every delivery a manual, complex puzzle to solve. This complexity led Jurong Port’s leadership to realize they needed greater visibility of what was happening on the ground. They required a way to see operations in real time and to ensure smooth communication between teams. This need gave rise to JP Glass, a digital twin that uses GIS technology that monitors port activity. JP Glass provides a clear view of operations, facilitating communication about incoming cargo, the equipment needed, available personnel, and storage capacity in the yards and warehouses. It also monitors weather conditions, vessel berth depth, and port traffic. Moreover, JP Glass is displayed 24/7 at Jurong Port’s General Cargo Office, ensuring that staff can monitor the port’s operations at any point in time. Prioritizing Port Needs Seaports generally fall into one of two categories: landlord or operator. Traditionally, Jurong Port operated as a landlord port, providing basic services, while contracted companies managed the terminals. However, to better align with Singapore’s goal of optimizing the supply chain, Jurong Port transitioned into a port operator. This strategic shift has allowed the port to create value across the entire logistics ecosystem by ensuring seamless integration and efficiency in its operations. This transformation spurred the drive for digitalization. Since 2017, Jurong Port has focused on developing terminal operating applications, which enable the harnessing of vast amounts of data now visualized in JP Glass.
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