The Potential of AI and Data Science in Reducing the Vulnerability of Ports to Undermining Crime

Abstract

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. 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 . The study consisted of a qualitative research, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews and an expert meeting.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. 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 . 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. 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.