Centralizing asset survey data boosts port efficiency

Port of Hamburg is the biggest seaport in Germany, and the third biggest in Europe, handling 140 million tons of cargo and over 8000 port calls annually. The busy seaport is also a forerunner in port digitalisation and technology. Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) follows the smartPORT philosophy, considering all the aspects of the port’s operations, from traffic and logistics to smart asset management.

In large seaports, a wide variety of departments and teams are involved in asset management and operations; Hamburg Port Authority has approximately 1900 employees. The port has its own surveyor team, which performs regular seabed surveys and surveys on quay walls and structures.

One challenge HPA has encountered is sharing the 3D data needed in asset management and maintenance planning with everyone involved. Therefore, HPA started a co-operation with GISGRO to enhance the 3D data utilisation in the port.

Clearly visualised survey data enables efficient predictive maintenance

HPA’s hydrographical department uses survey vessels and USVs to gather detailed point cloud data from the port area and assets.

To help the asset management department utilise the data efficiently, the point cloud data is uploaded to GISGRO online platform for visualisation and analysis. Clear visual data of the assets’ condition is a priority for maintenance planning.

“Our department produces and operates with a range of different types of data: multibeam and laser scans, orthoimages, and 3D reference models. For example, earlier we used to deliver underwater structural scan data to our in-house clients in 2D format. With GISGRO, we can assist them by enabling the easy access and utilisation of different 2D and 3D data in asset management”, says Thomas Thies, Head of Hydrographic Data Collection at HPA.

3D data gathered by HPA's surveying crew (picture: Hamburg Port Authority GISGRO account).

GISGRO allows HPA’s asset management team to dive below the waterline. Whether working at the office or from home, the team can access the 3D data and thoroughly examine the condition of assets with well-designed analysis tools.

Instead of just receiving a report with a few snapshots of the data, the 3D survey data saved in an online platform enable following how the possible damage develops, for example. This kind of exact information on the structures is essential for efficient predictive maintenance.

Cloud platform improves the communication between the departments

One important value of cloud technology is to have access to survey data anywhere and anytime. For example, asset data can easily be utilised at any time in repair and construction projects or shared with the contractor when needed.

Easy access ensures the 3D data is not left unused; instead, it is a significant part of daily asset management in Port of Hamburg.

“From our perspective, HPA is a perfect fit for GISGRO. We can clearly see the significant effort HPA’s survey department has put into their scan process from the level of details they are able to achieve. Next logical step in the organisation is to enable easy access, analysis and cross departmental collaboration to exploit all the benefits this data provides”, describes Karri Koistinen, Head of Sales in team GISGRO.