International Conference on Port-City Relations and Digital Transformation
Montevideo hosted an international port-city conference where experts discussed integrating ports with urban development and adopting digital tools like AI to create smart, sustainable ports. The article is provided by our media partner Transporte Carretero.
Montevideo hosted the International Conference "Port-City Relations and Digital Transformation," a two-day event that brought together national and international experts to reflect on these challenges and opportunities for ports. The event took place on September 10 and 11, organized by INALOG, the ANP, and CENNAVE, within the framework of UNCTAD's TrainForTrade program.
The opening ceremony was led by the Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Tourism (MTOP), Lucía Etcheverry; the President of the National Association of Public Works (ANP), Pablo Genta; the President of the CENNAVE (National Commission for the Promotion of Public Works), Mónica Ageitos; and the President of INALOG (National Institute of Statistics and Census), Jerónimo Reyes.
The first panel was dedicated to the link between ports and cities. The case of Spain was presented, with an approach that seeks to balance port activities with the sustainable enjoyment of the bay. The maritime culture and identity of the port city was also addressed, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage, innovation, and the integration of ports as drivers of development. With contributions from Cesar Díaz Maza (Port Authority of Santander), José Luis García Lorenzo (Port Authority of Gijón), and Juan Ramón Arrisueño (Port Authority of Peru).
In closing, Latin American cases were discussed, with the participation of ANP President Pablo Genta, who emphasized that the port of Montevideo is an essential element for Uruguay's viability as an independent nation. For his part, the representative from Peru emphasized the need for planning that promotes social development and integration to reduce urban congestion.
The second day focused on technological innovation and the challenges of digitalization. Experiences in emerging technologies such as automation, AI, blockchain, and digital twins were presented, with contributions from Jaime Luezas Alvarado (Puertos del Estado – Spain), Juan Francisco Rodríguez Martín (Port Authority of Las Palmas), and Javier Cubas Rodríguez (Valenciaport Foundation).
The presentations highlighted how digitalization has evolved from the simple automation of tasks to the creation of smart, sustainable ports that are integrated with the city.
The final panel discussed the challenges of digital transformation, such as cybersecurity, skills shortages, and bureaucracy, which limit the ability to recruit key technology talent.
The event featured panel discussions on recommendations and best practices, moderated by Ana Rey (ANP), Elisa Kuster (ANP), Emilio Rivero (INALOG), and Mónica Ageitos (CENNAVE), reaffirming Uruguay and the region's commitment to innovation and port-city integration.
Presentations:
Port-City Relations – Cesar Díaz Maza
Port-City Relations Spain – García Lorenzo
Culture and Identity – Cesar Díaz Maza
Port-City Relations America ANP Ing. Pablo Genta President
Port-City Relations Latin America – Arrisueño
Emerging Technologies – Jaime Luezas Alvarado
Emerging Technologies – Juan Francisco Rodriguez Martin
Emerging Technologies – Javier Cubas Rodriguez
Digital Transformation – Cesar Díaz Maza
Digital Transformation – Juan Francisco Rodriguez Martin
Digital Transformation – Jaime Luezas Alvarado
