Digitalization in Penang Port: Infrastructure, Analysis and Perspectives for Sustainable Logistics

¹ Université Le Havre Normandie, 76600 Le Havre, France
² Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
³ Port of Penang, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Penang Port is one of the largest container ports in Malaysia, as it handled 1.42 million TEUs in 2024. As in many large seaports, modernization, innovation and sustainability have become key strategic priorities for Penang Port authorities. In this context, a long-term strategy has been defined to achieve these objectives. Port digitalization plays a central role in this strategy by enabling data-driven monitoring and optimization of operations. In particular, the digitalization of cargo handling relies on a data acquisition system and ICT technologies deployed within the terminal. The system relies on sensors installed on a fleet of five trucks operating the containers between the yard and the berth. These sensors provide detailed information on travel times, distances, and routes. An analysis of the collected data over the period from May to August 2025 reveals that the trucks traveled a total distance of 22,631 kilometers, resulting in estimated CO2 emissions ranging from 19 to 27 tons. Furthermore, the trucks remain idle approximately 20% of their operating time, mainly due to congestion within the terminal. To address these issues, we address the problem of designing an efficient pickup-and-delivery planning framework as well as the route of the trucks such that the traffic jam and total travel time are minimized. We propose a genetic algorithm for solving the problem whose aim is to reduce both CO2 emissions and travel distances, compared to the actual situation on Penang Port. We finally conclude with some discussions on the perspective offered by the digital system for reducing total GHG emissions of Penang port.