In 2018, the MPA actively sought innovative solutions to address the shipping industry’s logistics challenges.
With this in mind, in September, the MPA in partnership with Centech created an innovation accelerator in port logistics, the first of its kind in North America. This think tank and working group brings together experts from the Port of Montreal, start-up technology companies and doctoral students from several universities to work on four themes: supply chain visibility, cybersecurity, process improvement and supply chain decarbonization.
The innovation unit’s first project is a three-dimensional modelling of port locations and facilities, designed to provide an augmented reality representation of the Port of Montreal. Initiated in the fall by PreVu3D and ARA Robotics, this work will make it possible to improve infrastructure planning, optimize space and tour the Port’s facilities in virtual reality.
To support university research while helping to boost the future of shipping, on January 22, the MPA awarded $10,000 in grants to four teams of students from École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), its partner in this initiative. These students participated in the Smart Port Challenge to find an innovative solution to improve the flow of truck traffic bringing or picking up containers at port terminals.