Portwise at SDP 2025:

Leading the dialogue on smarter, more sustainable and digitally ready ports

At the upcoming Smart Digital Ports of the Future (SDP) Europe 2025, Portwise will take the stage in Amsterdam to contribute to three critical sessions focused on the future of port operations. Through our participation, we aim to share real-world expertise on how ports can navigate complexity and digital transformation with purpose, clarity and sustainability in mind.

Wednesday 12 November | 09:45 – 10:45 | Panel: the unified approach to the smart digital port of the future

On the morning of day one, Isabelle van Schilt will moderate a session tackling one of the most common challenges in port digitalisation: fragmentation. With countless technologies and evolving standards, many ports struggle to turn innovation into integrated, long-term solutions. This discussion will explore what defines a unified digital approach, how to avoid siloed projects and misaligned investments, whether current technologies can integrate into existing systems, and the importance of focusing on strategic outcomes rather than features. With extensive experience supporting ports worldwide, Portwise will bring a structured, operationally grounded perspective on how to build a resilient and adaptable roadmap for the smart port of the future.

Wednesday 12 November | 16:30 – 17:30 | Panel: enabling sustainable port operations through digital tools and technologies

Later on the first day, Isabelle van Schilt will return to the stage to discuss the role of digital tools in supporting port decarbonisation efforts. As regulatory pressure increases, including the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ports are expected to measure, report and reduce their environmental impact more precisely than ever before. Key discussion points will include how to implement Port Call Optimisation and Just-in-Time strategies, tools to monitor and manage energy and emissions, practical examples of digital solutions enabling measurable carbon reduction, and the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. Portwise will contribute insights from our project experience where sustainability and operational efficiency go hand in hand — enabled by data, simulation and strategic planning.

Thursday 13 November | 12:45 – 13:30 Panel: is your operation digital twin ready?

On the second day, Pim van Leeuwen will join a panel focused on Digital Twin readiness. While the term is widely discussed, there remains uncertainty about what it takes to implement such a system in practice. This session will help ports understand whether they have the data maturity to benefit from a Digital Twin, the integration challenges across systems and technologies, how to build a business case, justify costs and define return on investment, and how even smaller ports can adopt scalable versions of the technology. Pim will share how Portwise supports port and terminal operators in translating vision into practical steps, using simulation and modelling to assess feasibility, impact and long-term value.

Looking ahead: why Portwise is participating

Our participation at SDP 2025 reflects Portwise’s commitment to supporting ports and terminals in making informed, future-focused decisions. With over 25 years of experience in simulation, automation and terminal design, we aim to provide guidance grounded in technical rigour and operational reality. We look forward to meeting port authorities, terminal operators and supply chain stakeholders in Amsterdam and to sharing our vision for a smarter, more efficient and sustainable logistics sector.