Wärtsilä Voyage, part of the technology group Wärtsilä, has announced the acquisition of PortLink Global, a global port solutions company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, aiming to create an end-to-end connected maritime ecosystem in which intelligent port logistics solutions play a nodal role.
PortLink and Wärtsilä Voyage have previously formed partnerships, collaborating on projects including the co-development of a next-generation Port Management Information System (PMIS) for the largest Mediterranean and African port, Tanger Med, the Callao Port Authority (Peru) modernisation project, and the delivery of Brazil’s first Smart Port Solution at Porto do Acu.
Sean Fernback, President, Wärtsilä Voyage and EVP Wärtsilä, said: “Bringing PortLink into Wärtsilä Voyage isn’t just about expanding our portfolio, but further strengthening our expertise in the smart port sector by bringing in highly experienced people into our team. Their domain expertise and portfolio perfectly complement Wärtsilä Voyage’s smart ports vision — a critical piece in our larger ambition of building an end-to-end connected ship-to-shore logistic management and voyage optimisation ecosystem.”
Founded in 2007, PortLink is a provider of port efficiency solutions, including Port Management Information Systems (PMIS), Port Community Systems (PCS), Pilotage Dispatch systems and Local Port Services (LPS). With over 3,500 active system users, the PortLink team has the experience and expertise to deliver projects that are tailored for each customer. PortLink has a customer network in more than 20 countries. Its existing workforce of approximately 20 professionals will be integrated within Wärtsilä Voyage’s business.
Evgeny Vdovin, CEO, PortLink, said: “Since its inception, PortLink has grown many folds by establishing deep roots in the port operations solution segment with proven services and a solid track record. Joining Wärtsilä Voyage creates ideal opportunities for the next spurt of expansion, creating new and genuine value for customers and all other stakeholders in the port segment. We share a common vision; one of improving operational efficiency, port safety, and environmental sustainability in shipping by reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. The PortLink team has significant competencies in technology, along with a globally recognised portfolio in cutting-edge Port Management Information Systems, Smart Port tools for port operations and digitalisation – including implementing Just-In-Time solutions, machine learning and AI. Adding these to the extensive, world leading Wärtsilä portfolio of services and products provides an unparalleled opportunity for a new ecosystem of port operations.”
PortLink’s PMIS and PCS solutions in tandem with Wärtsilä Voyage’s Navi-Port, Vessel Traffic Management Information Systems (VTMIS), and on-vessel voyage optimisation solutions such as Navi-Planner and Fleet Optimisation Solution (FOS) will help connect the dots across the entire ecosystem. The holistic approach will enable better ship-to-shore coordination — optimising routes and vessel speed based on real-time weather and port readiness information, which can result in reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
Bruce Mills, Business Development Manager, Ship Traffic Control, Wärtsilä Voyage, concluded: “The ambition is to implement a port community system that goes beyond internal stakeholders within the port, and even includes the broader community. The access levels to information will differ based on roles and requirements but having all stakeholders on the same secured platform is absolutely essential to orchestrate global operations.”
