The Port of Antwerp-Bruges partnered with Superlinear to make operations smoother and smarter. Now, employees can get the data they need right away, making decisions faster and easier. It’s a solid example of how AI is changing logistics and pushing the port closer to its goal of being a top Smart Port and a global leader in efficient, eco-friendly operations.
Executive summary
Context
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the busiest in the world, juggling huge operations while working toward big environmental and efficiency goals. As demands for quick decisions and easy access to data grew, traditional methods of managing logistics and workflows were becoming insufficient. Beyond just improving operations, the port is committed to balancing the needs of people, the climate, and the economy. Its broader sustainability goals include investing in renewable energy, smart logistics, green hydrogen, and a modal shift to strengthen its leadership in innovation and environmental management.
Goal of the project
The goal is to turn the Port of Antwerp-Bruges into a fully Smart Port, using AI to make operations smoother, help employees work more efficiently, and raise the bar for global logistics. It also ties into the port’s plan to hit climate neutrality by 2050 while driving changes in mobility, energy, and digitalization.
Solution
Introducing APICA: A Digital Brain for the Port
Working with Superlinear, a Belgian AI Strategy consulting company, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges created APICA (Advanced Port Intelligence and Coordination Assistant), an AI-powered system for smarter port management. APICA combines real-time data, automates complex workflows, and gives employees easy-to-use tools like the APICA Agent. Built into Microsoft Teams, it puts key info at their fingertips, saving time and enabling faster decisions. (Read more about Integrating APICA Chat at Port of Antwerp-Bruges: A case on how to build and orchestrate individual LLM agents.)
At its core, APICA includes a digital twin that provides real-time operational data and weather conditions, enhancing situational awareness. A relational database and comprehensive data model, developed by the port's data governance team in collaboration with dScribe, ensure accurate retrieval of key information by cataloging terms, definitions, and connections.
Superlinear’s role extends beyond technology delivery. As a long-term partner, we are embedding AI as the central brain of port operations, ensuring the port stays focused on its core mission: logistics, while leveraging AI for complex data handling and automation.
Case study
The challenge
Managing complexity in one of the world’s busiest ports.
As a global logistics hub, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges moves millions of tons of cargo every year. Managing operations across large teams, systems, and stakeholders came with some challenges:
Inefficient manual data retrieval processes.
Limited access to key info for decision-making.
Balancing sustainability goals with the need to boost operational efficiency.
The port needed an innovative solution to optimize its operations and position itself as a leader in smart logistics.
The implementation
Building the future of port operations step by step
Rolling out APICA happened in steps:
Development: The teams at Superlinear and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges worked together to design a system that's easy to use.
Integration: It was built right into tools like Microsoft Teams, so it’s simple to access.
Testing and Feedback: They tested it with key users, made tweaks, and got it ready for everyone to use to ensure adoption.
Employees have praised APICA from the start, highlighting its ability to quickly handle complex queries and improve decision-making processes.
With APICA Agent, employees now interact with AI as if it were a digital colleague. For example, they can retrieve nautical information, such as vessel journeys, or access personal HR details, like vacation days, without lengthy manual processes. This integration saves significant time and effort, allowing teams to focus on higher-level tasks.
“This integration simplifies the process of asking complex questions regarding port operations, saving analysts several hours or even days of work,” said Inge Lemmens, Team Lead Data Governance.
APICA uses “Agentic AI” to smartly direct user questions to the right tools, like a virtual expert. This makes everything run smoothly and makes it easy to add new data sources or features down the line.
Results
Tangible benefits for employees and operations
While large-scale business outcomes like cost or CO₂ reductions are still under evaluation, APICA has already delivered measurable results:
Engagement: 300+ unique monthly users and 250+ daily sessions.
Efficiency gains: Employees save hours of work; complex queries resolved in minutes.
Enhanced data accessibility:
1200 Wiki pages searchable for ICT service desk.
300 Wiki pages for HR service desk.
25 SQL tables integrated for nautical chain data.
A data catalog with 1500+ business definitions, streamlining knowledge management.
“With APICA, we’re not just improving port operations; we’re redefining how our teams work with technology. It’s about living our principle of putting people and customers first, ensuring every task is as smooth and intuitive as possible,” said Pieter Van Bouwel, Team Lead Data Science at Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Employee feedback underscores APICA’s impact
“APICA transforms hours of analysis into minutes, allowing me to focus on high-level innovation initiatives.” – Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation
“For an urgent COO request, APICA delivered in 20 minutes what used to take a full workday. It’s a game-changer.” – Evelien Baelden, Team Lead Port Intelligence
Future Plans
Expanding APICA’s capabilities for the smart port vision
The journey of APICA is just beginning.
Coming soon:
APICA Planner: Making nautical operations run more smoothly and efficiently.
APICA Navigator: Offering real-time navigation tips to improve how vessels move.
Thanks to these innovations, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is well on its way to becoming a fully Smart Port and a leader in sustainable logistics.
Conclusion
With Superlinear’s support, the port is showing how AI can transform operations. APICA isn’t just another tool—it’s a big step toward better efficiency, sustainability, and global leadership in logistics. Together, they’re setting the standard for the future of Smart Ports.
Podcast: Transforming Port Operations with AI and Innovation
Want to dive deeper into how the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is leading the charge in smart logistics and innovation? Don’t miss Episode 13 of the Future Forward podcast! Featuring Erwin Verstraelen and Pieter Van Bouwel, this episode explores the groundbreaking use of AI, like APICA, to revolutionize port operations, from building a ‘digital nervous system’ to pioneering autonomous shipping and drones. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of technology and sustainability in logistics!
