Scottish firm utilising technology to make ports safer and greener

ION Geophysical, based in Edinburgh, is looking to make ports smarter, safer, and greener using Montrose in Scotland as its initial staging-ground. The company developed it’s the software with grant support from Scottish Enterprise and is using the Montrose Port Authority as a testbed to refine the technology. ION has switched the Montrose port over to its Marlin SmartPort optimisation software, capable of transforming its efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Stuart Darling, Senior Vice President of ION’s Edinburgh-based Software group, said: “Our software solutions are renowned for optimising operations offshore and there is a great opportunity to bring that to the port environment as we further enhance our software. “The introduction to Montrose Port Authority and support from Scottish Enterprise has been invaluable. We have direct insight into the port’s operational environment to develop our software, and in return, it is great to see a positive impact on Scottish business. “Building on this experience, we are now engaging with port community stakeholders from a number of countries and discussing opportunities for Marlin SmartPort to optimise port operations globally.” The Montrose Port Authority is a leading support and service hub for the energy industry in Scotland, as well as the general cargo market, and has carried out extensive upgrades as part of its wider expansion plans. CEO of Montrose Port Authority Tom Hutchison said: “The exciting move to ‘Marlin SmartPort’ is a major leap forward for Montrose Port Authority replacing highly manual port operation procedures with an efficient, integrated digital system. “The port is renowned for its ability to adapt easily to vessel requirements, but the new software really propels us to the forefront of the market, ideally aligned with our recent quayside redevelopment and the new landmark contract with SSE Renewables. “The project also supports our ambitions to become Scotland’s greenest port.”