Singapore’s PSA and IBM Initiate Quantum Trial for Port Logistics Optimization
December 13, 2017
Singapore’s PSA and IBM Explore Quantum-Enhanced Port Logistics
On December 13, 2017, PSA International, one of the world’s largest port operators, revealed a collaboration with IBM Research to explore the use of quantum computing in optimizing port logistics at Singapore’s mega port terminals. The pilot project aims to integrate quantum algorithms into core port operations, including vessel scheduling, container stacking, and crane movement logistics.
Singapore is a strategic testbed for this technology. As a global transshipment hub handling over 30 million TEUs annually, PSA’s operations offer both scale and complexity, making it an ideal candidate for early quantum deployment.
A New Paradigm for Port Management
The primary objective of the trial is to reduce turnaround time for container ships and minimize congestion through predictive optimization. Current optimization algorithms, while robust, often require hours to compute ideal solutions for port management variables such as berth allocation, gantry crane scheduling, and container placement.
Quantum computers, especially those harnessing quantum annealing or hybrid quantum-classical approaches, offer a way to test multiple variables simultaneously—potentially reducing computation times from hours to minutes.
"Ports are intricate logistical puzzles. Quantum computing allows us to explore highly dynamic and interconnected models that classical systems struggle with," said Dr. Tan Hui Ling, PSA’s Director of Smart Port Innovation.
What the Quantum Trial Involves
The trial will be divided into three functional modules:
Berth Scheduling Optimization – Determining optimal berth assignments for incoming vessels based on real-time sea traffic and port conditions.
Container Yard Management – Using quantum-inspired algorithms to arrange containers for minimal re-handling during unloading/loading.
Crane Movement Forecasting – Enhancing crane utilization by forecasting peak loading demands using quantum-enhanced predictive models.
IBM Research is contributing its Qiskit Aqua framework and early-stage quantum simulators to model and test these logistics problems. The simulations will run both on classical systems and quantum processors via IBM’s Quantum Experience cloud platform.
Why PSA and IBM Make a Formidable Pair
PSA International has been actively investing in next-generation technologies through its innovation arm, PSA unboXed. IBM Research, meanwhile, has been expanding its quantum research focus beyond theoretical problems into logistics, chemistry, and supply chain management.
"The opportunity to test quantum logistics in such a high-throughput, real-time environment like Singapore is a rare proving ground," said Dr. Scott Crowder, Vice President of IBM Q Strategy.
This partnership builds on their earlier AI-driven Smart Port collaboration, which explored the use of machine learning and edge analytics to improve operations across PSA’s terminals.
Quantum Readiness in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific has emerged as a hotbed for smart port experimentation. Beyond Singapore, ports in South Korea, China, and Japan have begun integrating AI and IoT systems, laying the groundwork for more advanced compute layers like quantum.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has already earmarked S$1.5 billion in funding through 2021 to support digitization and innovation initiatives. Quantum trials, while still nascent, are now part of that strategic roadmap.
Challenges and Early Lessons
While the potential is high, IBM and PSA emphasize that near-term quantum systems are not yet capable of full-scale deployment. Current quantum devices have limited qubit coherence times and are error-prone. As such, most algorithms tested in this trial will be hybrid in nature, combining classical back-ends with quantum-enhanced modules.
However, both parties expect that even partial quantum applications could provide operational insights, especially in container placement strategies and real-time vessel scheduling.
Global Port Industry Watching Closely
Following the announcement, several major port authorities—including Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Los Angeles—expressed interest in similar quantum logistics pilot programs. Rotterdam’s PortXL accelerator even extended an invitation to PSA and IBM to share results at its 2018 forum.
Logistics experts believe quantum’s greatest near-term impact will be in constraint-heavy environments like container yards and intermodal terminals.
Implications for Global Supply Chains
If successful, PSA’s quantum pilot could shorten cargo dwell times, reduce fuel consumption by ships idling offshore, and enhance just-in-time delivery precision for importers. The ripple effects could be global, impacting shippers, freight forwarders, and even final-mile retailers.
This also positions Singapore as a strategic quantum logistics hub—bridging East and West not only geographically but technologically.
Conclusion
The December 2017 announcement of a quantum logistics trial by PSA International and IBM marks an important chapter in the evolution of smart ports. By blending cutting-edge computation with complex port operations, the initiative could redefine efficiency standards in maritime logistics. As quantum computing inches closer to enterprise viability, projects like this will serve as critical case studies for global deployment.