AD Ports Group and NYU Abu Dhabi have signed a multi-year agreement to create an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to improve port operations through smarter forecasting and planning. The initiative will focus on building a high-precision intelligence system that combines AI-driven modelling with spatial analytics to enhance decision-making across maritime logistics.
The new platform is expected to improve the accuracy of vessel arrival forecasts, streamline berth allocation, and generate deeper operational insights related to fuel usage and environmental performance. The technology aims to support ports in handling increasing trade volumes while improving efficiency and sustainability.
As ports worldwide face challenges linked to congestion, operational complexity, and decarbonisation requirements, the AI-powered system is intended to reduce delays and strengthen planning capabilities without the need for major infrastructure expansion. The solution will help operators better anticipate vessel movements and optimise resource allocation.
Greater coordination between ship arrivals and berth availability could reduce vessel waiting times, lower fuel consumption, and cut emissions generated during port operations. The platform is also expected to improve visibility into sustainability performance through data-led monitoring and analysis.
Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at AD Ports Group, said the collaboration brings together operational expertise and advanced AI capabilities to transform how ports manage logistics and trade flows.
Arlie Peters, Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the partnership merges academic research with industry application to strengthen the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of logistics networks while supporting the UAE’s ambitions as a leading global trade hub. The project will be led by Professor Ali Diabat from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Civil and Urban Engineering programme.
The system will initially be piloted across selected terminals and shipping routes before a wider rollout across AD Ports Group’s international operations. As part of the partnership, AD Ports Group will provide operational data and support pilot deployments within its existing data governance framework.
