PortDefense: AI enhanced Automation for military port logistics

In today's world, military logistics play a critical role in national defense and international security, especially for countries like Norway, which is strategically important within NATO. The recent inclusion of Sweden and Finland in the alliance further emphasizes the need for efficient and resilient logistics systems. The movement of military goods and resources through Norwegian ports is not just routine—it’s vital for the rapid deployment and reinforcement of military forces during times of crisis. This is where the PortDefense project steps in. PortDefense aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of military port logistics by adapting advanced AI-based planning tools that were originally developed for civilian ports through the AutoPort project. With Norway’s ports being key gateways for military operations, ensuring they run smoothly and swiftly under pressure is a top priority. Delays or bottlenecks in these logistics chains could directly affect national security, especially when rapid response is required in critical situations. Imagine a situation where a military crisis unfolds, and large quantities of equipment, vehicles, and supplies need to be moved quickly through a Norwegian port. If logistics are slow or inefficient, it could delay military response times, putting national and allied security at risk. PortDefense seeks to solve such challenges by introducing AI-powered planning methods to improve the speed and coordination of port activities. .

PortDefense is focused on adapting and transferring AI-based planning methods, initially developed for civilian port logistics in the AutoPort project, to the defense sector. Given Norway's strategic role in NATO, especially with the recent inclusion of Sweden and Finland, the efficiency and resilience of military logistics through Norwegian ports have become increasingly vital. These ports are crucial not only for routine defense logistics but also for the rapid deployment and reinforcement of military forces during crises and conflicts, which are directly tied to national security. The project will leverage a close collaboration between SINTEF and FFI, and aims to introduce advanced tools and methods to enhance the efficiency and resilience of military goods flow, ensuring operations remain robust under critical conditions, especially given the risks associated with concentrating significant military assets in a single location. To address these risks, PortDefense will focus on creating more effective routines, enhancing the speed and efficiency of port operations. This will allow for the rapid reception and onward movement of military goods to their final destinations, ensuring readiness and responsiveness in any situation. The project will not only adapt AI planning methods for defense needs but also validate these methods via the use case defense scenarios. This approach will ensure that innovations are practical and applicable, and will provide a strong foundation for future defense-related projects and further collaboration between SINTEF and FFI on the subject. The project's success will strengthen Norway's role as a key logistics hub in NATO's northern operations, ensuring rapid and efficient support for allied forces.