Port of Halifax includes its PIER living lab in the first network of port innovation hubs

The Port of Halifax is involving The PIER (short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research) living lab with the innovation hubs at the Port of Hamburg (called homePORT) and at the Port of Valencia (called Opentop) in starting the design and setup of the world’s first network of port innovation hubs.

“The connection of the three hubs will bring an additional international perspective to each of the hubs and their members,” Michael Davie, the vice president of Operations and Technology at the Port of Halifax, says. “This will allow us to think more globally and have a greater understanding of international culture, ideas and solutions to complex problems that would benefit start-up projects at the local level and expand existing capabilities for technology testing and demonstrations."

Ultimately, the aim is for the network to become a global alliance of port innovators that drives port improvements by connecting innovation centres so that inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and business owners/operators can share ideas, methodologies, trial results, project experiences, as well as best practices.

Now in the last phase of network design, the initiative is expected to officially launch within a few months.

A tour of The PIER will be available to a limited number of delegates registered on a first-come, first-served basis for Green Marine’s annual GreenTech conference being held in Halifax in June 2024. You can also read more about The PIER in the new issue of Green Marine Magazine.