Towards Adaptive and Resilient Strategies Using Digital Twins: A Study on the Port of Tyne, UK

Over the course of history, maritime ports and their associated cities have grown in tandem, with the port acting as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity in the city. The rise of globalization in recent decades has further reinforced this relationship. Understanding the operational risks faced by ports is crucial for assessing their resilience and their impact on the broader urban areas they serve. Currently, maritime ports are embracing digitalization, taking advantage of the abundance of data collection, transmission, and processing tools and networks. The concept of a “Digital Twin” is gaining popularity, with several pilot initiatives already underway in some of the world’s busiest ports. However, most existing Digital Twin implementations heavily rely on data-gathering devices like IoTs and primarily provide a snapshot of the port’s current status. This approach creates significant economic and technical barriers for other ports looking to replicate the same level of digitalization. This research aims to address the disparity in data availability among assets, facilities, and vehicles by proposing an adaptive Digital Twin framework, using the Port of Tyne as a case study. The developed Digital Twin serves as a foundation for implementing resilience strategies, encompassing both emergency response and long-term mitigation plans. It offers valuable insights to port authorities and stakeholders, aiding in the development of resilience strategies, understanding industrial ecology, and managing urban metabolism in port cities.