Anglia Ruskin University is working with Britain’s busiest container port, the Port of Felixstowe, to improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enable more containers to be handled.

The project applies digital technologies such as machine learning and optimisation techniques to build predictive models for container flows around the port.

This will in turn reduce unnecessary crane movements and the distances travelled by its fleet of trucks.

According to a recent report produced by the Port of Felixstowe, about 60% of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to 34.3K tons of CO2) from port operations originate from fossil fuelled yard cranes and internal trucks.

A new system is expected to lead to more containers being handled within time windows, and a reduction in vessel and truck turnaround times, helping to reduce supply chain issues.

Greenhouse gas emissions from trucks, ocean-going vessels and cargo handling equipment will also be reduced.

Professor Ying Xie, Director of the Centre for Intelligent Supply Chain at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Port of Felixstowe on this important project. At a time when there have been issues with wider global supply chains, ensuring our ports are working at maximum efficiency has never been more important.

“This research project provides an opportunity to explore how digitalisation can help improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”