The technology ports and terminals adopt today will help define their future operational capacity, market opportunities and place in the global supply chain.

With increasing vessel sizes, higher cargo volumes and operational demands, ports and terminals are looking to new technology to help them adapt to future needs. Here are four ways we see technology shaping ports and terminals in 2026.

1. Data foundations at ports and terminals: We are deep into the big data era, with software and sensors which can be attached to almost anything. A robust strategy behind data collection and analysis is critical to harnessing the potential of data to aid operational simplicity and actionable support from systems. The right data at the right time is essential – whether that’s metocean data such as wind and wave conditions, or a crane cycle time.

2. Digital twin adoption and value: Technology is evolving at a faster rate than adoption, but digital twins are already becoming an established foundation for building a data infrastructure fit for future port and terminal operations. The technology offers immediate benefits, from proactive monitoring to flagging problems before they occur, and analyzing larger datasets underneath the digital twin to reveal trends and patterns that can enhance decision-making.

3. Smarter planning for optimized operations: We are increasingly seeing artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Simulation technologies also allow users to model a port or terminal’s operations and infrastructure in full – being able to evaluate What-If scenarios. Additionally, agentic AI is coming to transform the way users plan operations, with planners utilizing execution track records to leverage feedback loops that can learn from past and predict future more accurately.

4. Digital driven compliance: The maritime regulatory frameworks are introducing strong digitalization requirements and more data is being generated at vessel, port and terminal fronts. The compliance on those, whether it is local navigation rules, local safety procedures or emissions regulations will be enabled by many of standardized data components and interfaces between existing like ECDIS or GIS and new systems like digital twins or AI based agents (maritime co-pilots).

In 2026, the ports and terminals that start exploring how technology can underpin their future will not only increase their present-day resilience, but put themselves in a position to thrive this year and beyond.

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More News & Events

NextPort Achieves Key Information Security Certification

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October 7, 2026

September 24, 2026

We are pleased to announce that we have successfully We are pleased to announce that we have successfully achieved ISO 27001, across NextPort's offices in Valencia and Algeciras, Spain, as well as our parent company Moffatt & Nichol's Long Beach and Raleigh offices in the United States., across NextPort's offices in Valencia and Algeciras, Spain, as well as our parent company Moffatt & Nichol's Long Beach and Raleigh offices in the United States.

This is the internationally recognised standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It sets out the requirements for how an organisation should identify, manage, and reduce risks related to information and data security.

This certification reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security, governance, and continuous improvement.

It reflects the hard work of colleagues across the business and our commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of those we work with every day.

Find out more in the video below.

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San Antonio Terminal Internacional Implements NextPort

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October 2, 2026

February 27, 2026

San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI) in Chile has implemented a new digital operations platform in partnership with NextPort, aimed at enhancing visibility and efficiency across the terminal.

The digital twin is a virtual, real-time representation of terminal operations.

It enables online visualization of activities across the equipment fleet — including terminal tractors, container handlers, and STS and RTG cranes — supporting improved situational awareness, performance monitoring and operational decision-making.

All terminal equipment is fitted with the Black Dog card, a telemetry device developed in-house by STI’s Reliability team. The system enables the real-time transmission of operational data to a central platform, supporting both operations and maintenance planning.

The expanded use of telemetry is also expected to support more sustainable operations.

By optimizing transport routes and reducing fuel consumption and equipment wear, the platform has the potential to lower emissions and contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.

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Photo Courtesy of San Antonio Terminal Internacional

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How NextPort is Helping Monitor Carbon Costs in European Ports

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September 7, 2026

August 4, 2026

NextPort provides the digital twin and data platform powering the EU-ETS Observatory’s analysis of how carbon costs are affecting shipping routes, cargo flows, and port competitiveness across Europe.

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) Observatory, which monitors how carbon costs are affecting maritime transport and port competitiveness, has released its second report tracking activity at EU gateway ports. As the consortium's digital twin and technology partner, NextPort develops and operates the data platform that powers the analysis.

Among its findings, the report shows that the share of long-haul transport work handled by major European Union gateway ports declined from 67% to 57% between Q1 2023 and Q1 2026, reinforcing the need to monitor potential shifts in cargo flows and port activity.

The EU-ETS is convened by Puertos del Estado, the Spanish government agency for state owned Spanish ports. This latest report measures the influence these costs have on shipping routes, port calls, cargo flows, and flags potential traffic diversion from European Union ports to nearby non-European Union hubs.

The report extends the analysis period to March 2026 and adds container-level tracking, helping the Observatory see where cargo moves after reaching European and nearby non-European ports. This makes it easier to identify changes in port choice, transshipment activity and feeder connections.

The Observatory is an initiative of Puertos del Estado, developed with Shipping Business Consultant (SBC), the Centre for Transport Innovation (CENIT) and NextPort.

The platform combines vessel tracking, port-call information, emissions data and shipping service intelligence. With container-level data, it can connect vessel movements with cargo movements, helping analysts identify rerouting, weaker connectivity and possible traffic gains for non-European Union hubs.

For NextPort, the report shows how digital technology can turn operational, emissions and container data into practical evidence to help authorities assess the European Union Emissions Trading System, protect port competitiveness and respond early to unintended network shifts.

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Why NextPort

"It has been a pleasure collaborating on the pilot and adoption of the Digital Twin solution, and on building a reliable and efficient data backbone to support it. This is a strong first step, and I look forward to the next phase focused on impact assessment and value realization through deep integration with processes and technology."

"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the NextPort team, whose strong commitment, technical expertise, and consistent support were instrumental to the successful delivery of the project."

“What motivates me every day at work is knowing that what we build contributes to making terminals greener. Beyond the technology, the best part of my job is interacting with customers; listening to their needs, understanding their challenges, and working together to turn ideas into real, sustainable solutions. Those conversations are where innovation really starts.”

"I am really excited about the technologies being used here, as they align perfectly with my interests. On top of that, the team is full of talented and motivated professionals, making it a great environment to learn and grow while also contributing. Being part of a young and dynamic team makes the experience even more engaging and rewarding."

"I’m here for two reasons: an incredible team and a truly innovative product. That combination makes every day exciting and full of possibilities."

"NextPort offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a product that addresses the daily challenges faced by professionals in the Ports environment. We take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and the latest in Artificial Intelligence to offer innovative solutions. Additionally, NextPort fosters a collaborative environment where our team, makes the journey of creating advanced products rewarding and engaging."