Jakarta, INTI - Indonesian academics see new opportunities to strengthen Indonesia–China cooperation in the port and maritime sector following a visit by Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) maritime science lecturer Iwan Pramesti Anwar to Tianjin Port’s Beijiang section, recognized as the world’s first zero-carbon smart container terminal.
The visit took place as part of the International Technical Workshop on Port and Waterway Construction in Belt and Road Countries, which brought together more than 30 participants from 10 countries and regions.
Tianjin Port has adopted autonomous technologies and intelligent operating systems across its port activities.
Iwan expressed admiration for the large number of autonomous vehicles operating throughout the terminal area.
“It is truly remarkable. I have never seen so many autonomous vehicles operating in a port environment. This is an impressive integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and unmanned operations,” he said.
Tianjin’s Smart Port Technology Offers Valuable Insights for Indonesia
During the workshop, participants explored a wide range of topics, including port infrastructure, safety monitoring, intelligent shipping systems, supporting port projects, as well as maritime laboratory and research development.
Iwan expressed hope that cooperation between ITB and research institutions in Tianjin would continue to expand.
According to him, many of the advanced port technologies implemented in Tianjin have yet to be widely adopted in Indonesia.
He believes the experience could contribute to optimizing shipping routes and improving the management of Indonesia’s port infrastructure.
Collaboration between ITB and Tianjin-based research institutions has been ongoing since 2006.
The partnership has included personnel exchanges, the development of joint research platforms, the construction of port engineering experimental facilities, and the establishment of collaborative research centers.
The cooperation has also provided technical support for various maritime development projects in Indonesia.
Technology Transfer and Talent Development Take Center Stage
Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ITB has participated in scientific cooperation, multidisciplinary research activities, and student engagement programs across a range of collaborative projects.
Notable outcomes of Indonesia–China cooperation in the port sector include the first-phase development of the Indonesia–China Integrated Industrial Park (Jinjiang Park) terminal and a 70,000-ton capacity terminal in the Nanshan Industrial Park in Bintan.
The partnership has also expanded into human resource development and maritime technology training programs.
Workshop participants visited the Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Center, which utilizes advanced digital systems to support maritime traffic management.
The system enables real-time information sharing, dynamic vessel scheduling, and highly accurate arrival and departure planning.
According to workshop presentations, the implementation of intelligent shipping systems has reduced complex incidents along major navigation routes by more than 30 percent, lowered vessel schedule fluctuations from 27 percent to 13 percent, and improved the on-time performance rate of key vessels to 100 percent.
Iwan noted that artificial intelligence, automation, and autonomous operations are reshaping modern port management by improving operational efficiency, enhancing workplace safety, and minimizing human error.
“BRI is not only about infrastructure development. It is also about knowledge sharing, talent cultivation, and technological cooperation,” he said.
Conclusion
The visit to Tianjin’s zero-carbon smart port highlights the growing potential for Indonesia and China to deepen maritime cooperation through technology transfer, research collaboration, and talent development. By leveraging advancements in AI, automation, and smart port systems, both countries can accelerate the modernization of maritime infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency across the sector.
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