Quantum computing to change world of data processing, says PSA

Quantum computing “will change the world of computing”, but Singapore’s largest terminal operator has yet to put a timescale on the implementation of the innovative technology in its operations.

Quantum computing, a transformative computing development which allows computers to allow for uncertainty in simulation, can provide exponential processing power to solve complex problems.

Logistics provider DP World UAE Region announced in April 2021 it has signed an agreement with D-Wave and other global leaders to explore the potential of quantum computing in the logistics and supply chain industry.

The terminal operator DP World said the move will place it among the top organisations looking into quantum computing technology to boost business and will help usher in a new to optimise the logistics chain.

Responding to PTI’s question on global terminal operators using quantum computing, Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO at PSA International, said quantum computing is “not on the active horizon,” but its time will come.

“It’s on the passive horizon, it’s not on the active horizon,” Tan said in a TOC Asia event on 20 April as part of Singapore Maritime Week.

“We believe that it will come. And it will change the world of computing. It will change our ability to certainly process a lot more data and information.”

Tan raised concerns about quantum computing which “brings along its side-effects” of environmental impact.

“[Quantum computing] is one that also brings along its side-effects, because people will be encouraged to build even larger data centres, and we have to have sustainable data centres.

“Hopefully with the newer technologies, we will be able to enjoy the positive effects and be able to mitigate the negative side-effects.

“We are monitoring and tracking it, but not on an active deployment basis of implementing it into our system by a certain date, in a certain way. Not yet,” he said.

Responding to PTI’s question on the biggest trends for emerging technologies investment, Tan said terminal operators should start with digital twins as it allows ports to use data to understand and measure its processes and outputs.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/quantum-computing-to-change-world-of-data-processing-says-psa/