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Panel event: Innovation in the port

What does the port of tomorrow look like? | Arxus
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Together with The Cronos Group we’re setting the course of the port of the future

As part of The Cronos Group, we have been at the forefront of technological growth in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for many years. But to truly solidify their digital future, we brought together a number of leading maritime and logistics companies at Antwerp City Hall to share their insights. Curious to learn what the smart port of tomorrow will look like? We'll tell you everything you need to know.

Mon, 24 November 2025

Jochen Van Gasse | Arxus

Jochen Van Gasse

Head of Business and Strategy, Arxus

A smart port is digital, data-driven and sustainable

Innovative technology is the engine of progress. And at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges that drive for digitalization is clearly rooted in their DNA: from advanced data solutions to smart cameras and cargo drones. Over the years, they have already taken many steps to transform Belgium’s historic port into a central hub for innovation. But what exactly does the port of the future look like?

According to Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this so-called “smart port” has several distinctive features:

Innovative technology and digital solutions are the common thread throughout the port.

An optimal supply chain ensures greater efficiency and a lower impact on the climate.

A smart port knows how to guarantee its continuity in all circumstances.

Climate-conscious solutions and lasting partnerships ensure long-term success.

With the right digital talent, the port can accelerate and ensure innovation.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges | Arxus

Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Innovation is not an end-goal, it’s a permanent journey. So, it’s important to build an ecosystem for digital talent: one where they can continuously work on the port of the future.

Insights from key figures

But what do the different companies around the port think of the digitalization of their sector? And what are the biggest challenges they're currently facing? We asked Van Moer Logistics, Jan De Nul, DP World and Manuport Logistics. Closer cooperation and stronger governance are the keys to success, according to them. And in terms of technology? Plenty of possibilities.

But there are still many obstacles. According to our panel, current legislation is the main slowing factor for innovation in the port, as well as the large maturity gap between the various port companies. By focusing more on digitalization in the future, the port wants to bring all of its logistics entities much closer together.

The hybrid reality and importance of a sovereign cloud

For the Belgian maritime industry and its critical ports, protecting highly sensitive logistics and security information is important. This is why Cloud Sovereignty is essential for them: it ensures that their valuable data is subject only to domestic and EU laws. With the launch of Azure Belgium Central datacenter, we address the strict requirement for data residency, giving maritime and logistics companies the trust and confidence that their core information remains secure within the Belgian jurisdiction.

On the other hand, port operations involve complex, real-time systems that simply must stay on-site. We solve this operational reality with a hybrid cloud strategy. This approach blends secure, existing on-site infrastructure with the immense scalability and flexibility of the public cloud, allowing port companies to modernize and maximize their performance while keeping full control over all their critical systems.

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Sailing towards the port of tomorrow together

At De Cronos Group, we've been very active in and around the port for many years. And by now we're supporting the vast majority of the businesses in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges with innovative solutions: from cargo drones and smart cameras to ships you can control remotely. That's why it's a huge honor for us, as a loyal partner of the port, to be able to help steer their digital course.

In the near future, we want to further strengthen this close collaboration with the port. By bringing port companies and (local) authorities together with the right specialists, we will only further accelerate the digitalization of their sector.

Ready to start building a smarter port?

We'd love to sit down with you to further map out your journey towards more digital maturity and a smooth integration into modern port operations.

Build the port of the future with us | Arxus