Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd., Mitsui-Soko Co., Ltd., and Hitachi, Ltd. have launched an on-site demonstration of an AI-based system designed to optimize container allocation and cargo handling at ports. This collaborative project, conducted under the Port Technology Development Program by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeks to modernize port operations through advanced digital technologies. The pilot program officially commenced in November 2025 at the Rokko RC2 Container Terminal in Kobe Port, managed by Mitsui-Soko.
The core of the initiative involves using Hitachi’s AI to generate precise forecasts for container pick-up dates and to create optimized yard allocation plans. These AI-generated strategies are pre-validated using Mitsui E&S’s sophisticated cargo handling simulator to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of real-world port environments. By stacking containers with earlier anticipated pick-up dates on top, the system aims to significantly reduce unnecessary reshuffling and streamline the workflow.
This technological shift addresses the increasing complexity of terminal operations, which traditionally relied on the manual expertise of skilled planners. As cargo volumes grow and logistics data becomes more volatile, AI and simulation tools provide a scalable solution to enhance operational resilience. The partnership combines Mitsui-Soko’s operational logistics expertise with Hitachi’s technical AI capabilities to replace traditional methods with data-driven decision-making.
Source: https://www.mes.co.jp/en/assets/uploads/press_20251224.pdf