Smart Automation and Route Optimisation Enhance Efficiency in One of the World’s Busiest Shipping Hubs
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly improved logistics at Singapore’s ports by nearly halving the number of lorries leaving without cargo. This advancement has helped tackle key industry issues, including high fuel costs, wasted trips, and manpower shortages, ultimately boosting overall efficiency.
Previously, inefficiency posed a major challenge, with around 35 per cent of departing trucks being empty, leading to unnecessary resource consumption. However, the introduction of real-time route optimisation and automation has addressed this problem.
A collaboration between PSA International and Dutch firm HERE Technologies has integrated over 400 trucks into an AI-powered transport management system, representing almost 20 per cent of Singapore’s haulage sector.
PSA Southeast Asia’s vice president for digital products, Sriram Ramanujam, explained that the AI-based solution, OptETruck, streamlines trip planning, execution, invoicing, and billing. Developed with support from Enterprise Singapore, this cloud-based system enhances operational efficiency for the local haulier community.
OptETruck automates scheduling by matching available jobs to reduce empty journeys and enables asset pooling, allowing hauliers and partners to share resources more effectively.
By adopting this system, trucking companies have managed to eliminate at least one empty trip per vehicle daily, resulting in an annual reduction of 9.6 million kg of carbon emissions.
In recognition of its impact, PSA was awarded the Recognition of Excellence at the 9th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum in 2024.
“For complex logistics, efficiency is crucial. Our shared goal is to reduce costs and downtime caused by empty trucks or containers,” said Abhijit Sengupta, general manager for Southeast Asia and India at HERE Technologies.
