Montreal to roll out AI-enabled cargo system in COVID fightback

The Port of Montreal has announced it will roll out CargO2ai, its AI-enabled priority container handling system in an effort to improve the flow of vital, time-sensitive goods.

In a statement, the Port said it had developed the system with CargoM, Termont, MGTP, Scale AI and Ivado Labs earlier in 2020 to fix supply chain problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By using AI, the system can quickly identify cargo that need to be prioritised, such as medicine or food and avoid stock shortages and delays. The Port described it as “a logistics tool with a humanitarian calling”.

After honing the technical details in recent months, the Port and its partners are now in the process of implementing the system throughout the city’s industrial port facilities.

That means the time is right for all stakeholders in the supply chain to join the initiative: trucking companies, freight forwarders, shipping lines, charterers and operators are invited to embark in large numbers to ensure maximum efficiency and to use the system to its full potential.

Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, said: “By aligning solidarity, fluidity and logistical efficiency, Greater Montreal’s supply chain can make a difference in the fight against the pandemic’s impacts. The Port of Montreal is proud to contribute to this innovative project that speeds up supply chain fluidity and facilitates the movement of products that are vital to combat COVID-19.”

Mathieu Charbonneau, Executive Director of CargoM, also commented: “This innovative project highlights both the collaboration between supply chain actors and Montreal’s strengths in artificial intelligence, to contribute to our collective effort in the face of COVID-19 with concrete and effective solutions.”

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/montreal-to-roll-out-ai-enabled-cargo-system-in-covid-fightback/