Portwise joins Asia’s terminal technology conversation at CTAC Asia 2026
Portwise will attend CTAC Asia 2026, taking place on 8 and 9 September 2026 at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok in Thailand. The event brings together port and terminal leaders for two days of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and networking focused on terminal automation, digitalisation, data, sustainability and operational performance.
Portwise will be represented by Yvo Saanen and Isabelle van Schilt, both contributing to the conference programme and the wider discussion around how terminals can turn technology into measurable operational value.
For Portwise, CTAC Asia is an important meeting point. Across Asia, container terminals are facing a complex set of decisions. Volumes continue to shift, vessel sizes and call patterns put pressure on quay and yard operations, labour availability differs strongly per market, and investment decisions must be made with a long-term view. At the same time, automation and digital technologies continue to develop rapidly, but not every solution is suitable for every terminal.
That is where the conversation needs to become practical.
Turning technology into operational value
As Chairman of CTAC Asia 2026, Yvo Saanen will help guide the discussion throughout the conference. He is particularly looking forward to the opening panel, where five business leaders from container terminals will share their experiences with deploying technology in real-world operations.
The discussion goes beyond the theoretical potential of automation. It will explore what happens during implementation, integration and ramp-up, where benefits are actually realised and which hurdles terminals need to overcome along the way.
This reflects an important principle in Portwise’s approach. Technology should not be introduced because it is available or because it is receiving attention across the i
ndustry. It needs to solve a clear operational or business challenge and contribute to safer, faster, more sustainable or more efficient terminal operations.
Digital technologies from design to operations
Isabelle van Schilt will focus on how digital technologies are transforming container terminals throughout their lifecycle, from terminal design through to day-to-day operations.
She will also moderate a session on using data to improve decision-making and operational visibility. As terminals generate increasing amounts of operational data, the challenge is no longer simply collecting information. The value lies in turning that data into insight and using it to support better operational decisions, identify bottlenecks and understand the impact of potential changes.
Digitalisation, simulation, automation and data analytics increasingly connect strategic terminal planning with operational execution. When applied effectively, these technologies can help operators test scenarios, understand dependencies and make better-informed investment and operational decisions.
From ambition to operational reality
Many terminals are asking similar questions. Where should automation start? Which part of the operation creates the strongest business case? How can brownfield terminals modernise without disrupting daily performance? What data is needed to make better decisions? And how can technology support safety, sustainability and service levels at the same time?
These questions are central to Portwise’s work. Since 1996, our consultants have supported port authorities, terminal operators and connected logistics organisations with simulation analysis, terminal design, automation consulting and operational decision support.
Our role is to help terminals move from strategic ambition towards tested, realistic and futureproof plans.
A successful automation strategy therefore starts well before procurement. It starts with a clear understanding of current terminal performance, future demand, physical layout, labour model, equipment strategy, data maturity and commercial objectives.
Simulation and modelling can help terminals evaluate these factors and test alternative concepts before decisions become expensive or difficult to reverse.
Why this matters for Asian terminals
Asia is home to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic port and terminal markets. The region includes major transhipment hubs, gateway terminals, rapidly developing logistics networks and brownfield facilities that need to modernise within existing operational constraints.
This creates a strong need for technology choices that are not only advanced, but also operationally sound.
Portwise believes automation and digitalisation should therefore not be treated as stand-alone technology projects. They need to be part of a broader terminal development strategy that connects operations, people, equipment, systems, data and long-term capacity requirements.
Equally important is avoiding technology hype. The objective is not automation or digitalisation in itself, but identifying where technology creates genuine and sustainable business value.
Meet Portwise in Bangkok
CTAC Asia 2026 provides an opportunity for terminal operators, port authorities, technology providers and industry experts to compare experiences, challenge assumptions and discuss what is working in practice.
With Yvo contributing as Chairman and Isabelle presenting and moderating sessions, Portwise looks forward to exchanging views on the current state of automation, digitalisation and data-driven terminal operations across Asia.
Whether your terminal is exploring its first steps in automation, reviewing a brownfield modernisation strategy, looking to improve operational visibility or validating a future investment, we welcome the opportunity to meet in Bangkok.
Meet Yvo Saanen and Isabelle van Schilt at CTAC Asia 2026 and discuss how simulation, operational expertise, data and practical automation planning can support smarter, more efficient and more sustainable terminals.