CNB Joins Forces with SOLONPORT

AI, machine learning and real-time terminal data

During the signing, CNB CEO and co-founder Rajesh Kumar said that his company had been developing SmartYard and SmartPort solutions designed around lean and agile technology and an artificial-intelligence engine.

He described an approach that combined AI and machine learning with real-time IoT data to address the complexity of container-terminal facilities. The products could operate independently while providing a virtual terminal model that represented physical activity, work orders and the movement of assets across the terminal.

Kumar said CNB had reviewed 3D technology providers with particular attention to those that understood the dynamics of an operating terminal and selected SOLONPORT as a complementary partner.

A live representation of terminal activity

SOLONPORT co-founder and CFO Yelda Okşak described the value of collaboration as the company sought to expand beyond its established market. She explained that SOLONPORT's 3D operational technology was intended to take yard operations beyond static terminal planning.

While terminal planning systems can capture the physical layout of a facility, the operational 3D approach was designed to show the terminal in motion—from vessels berthing to yard tractors moving between stacks. Live information could be connected with the TOS so that users could review completed events and activity still in progress.

Extend existing terminal systems

CNB Executive Vice President of Global Business Development Richard Butcher described the solutions as modular technologies that could connect with third-party Terminal Operating Systems. He said the AI engines were intended to calculate more efficient moves, reduce waste and use machine learning to adapt decisions as operational conflicts emerged.

John Dunlop, responsible for SOLONPORT global development, said the market had been seeking this type of capability and that the combined approach addressed a missing component in a traditionally conservative sector.

The co-marketing agreement was intended to support exploration of opportunities across Africa, India and South-East Asia, while also opening conversations with major terminal groups considering operational change.