Smartening up Ports Digitalization with Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Study of Artificial Intelligence Business Drivers of Smart Port Digitalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is digitalizing transportation at sea, on land, and in the air. It has the potential to cut human error and make operations faster. However, AI is one part of a broader process to digitize and improve port operations. AI digitalization and autonomous shipping are critical in the port world; AI allows human work to be shifted toward digital platforms that are currently not fully capable. Following this, the ports industry can be sketched as a natural fit for applying AI technology, known for its complicated processes and the high proportion of human work intervention. This paper aims to analyze and explore the artificial intelligence Business Drivers of Smart Port Digitalization. This study employs the exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches using Advance Managed Outsourced Solutions (AMOS) based on a ports communities operation management view. Then propose new AI-Ports initiatives. The value-added core tasks of ports are examined to determine the possible utilization of AI technology and the AI adoption within the ports community.