CEPOL Research & Science Conference 2022 MRU, Vilnius

The port of Rotterdam is an important gateway to Europe and an important logistic hub for global trade. However, factors that ensure the competitive position of the port of Rotterdam are also attractive for drug criminals. Stakeholders are becoming aware that in order to be competitive, ports must be a secure place. This awareness has led to a growing focus on security and resilience, in which digital technologies play an important role. In this paper the findings of an empirical study on the potential of AI and data science in securing ports against undermining crimes are presented . Furthermore, the requirements to realise this potential are discussed by elaborating on acceptance of new automated technologies using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), stressing the need for a systems approach and exploring new vulnerabilities that might arise in the highly digitalised ports in the future. The study consisted of a qualitative research, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews and an expert meeting.
The findings of this research show that developments in Data Science and AI at ports could have a strong effect on reducing the vulnerability of ports against illegal activity. In particular, it addresses the development of smart containers, which could enable better control of container movements and better protection of the container against criminal exploitation – such as the import and export of drugs. With the advent of smart technologies, the vulnerable human factor (in the context of undermining crime) in port processes could, gradually, become less important and be replaced by technology. However, new vulnerabilities may arise in the field of data ownership and cybersecurity. To realise the potential of AI and Data Science to protect ports from undermining crime, attention must be paid to these vulnerabilities, as well as ensuring the acceptance of the new (automated) technologies and adopting a systems approach.