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Dr Emmanuel Daniel , University of Wolverhampton
Dr Emmanuel Daniel is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Construction Management, the Postgraduate Programme Leader for MSc Construction Project Management and the Deputy Research Group leader for Digital Construction in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. He is a Chartered Construction Manager and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Our project “ Understanding the New Risks in the Digital Transition of Maritime Ports’ Critical Energy Infrastructures”, tackles the emerging threats that arise as ports become smarter and more connected. This research is funded by a Lloyd’s Register Foundation collaborative grant, led by the University of Wolverhampton, with collaborators from Moi University, Kenya and THOST Project Management, The Netherlands. Initially, we're focused on two key locations: Southampton Port (UK) and Mombasa Port (Kenya). By exploring the vulnerabilities linked to digitalisation and energy systems, we aim to build a risk-management framework that improves both resilience and safety, especially during the shift toward clean energy transitions.
Maritime ports are more than gateways for goods; they are critical hubs for global trade and energy. As the world shifts towards cleaner fuels like LNG, hydrogen, and offshore renewables, ports must upgrade infrastructure to handle these safely and efficiently.
At the same time, ports are becoming increasingly digitalised. Automated cranes, AI-driven logistics, and real-time energy monitoring promise greater efficiency and reduced costs. But each digital connection, from sensors to control systems, also introduces potential cyber and physical risks. A cyber-attack or system failure could disrupt trade flows, compromise energy security, or endanger lives.
In addition, while some European ports lead in adopting smart energy technologies, others, particularly in parts of Africa, are at earlier stages of digitalisation. This creates uneven resilience and opportunities for risk exploitation. Our project addresses these challenges by identifying vulnerabilities, analysing governance frameworks, and developing practical solutions. The goal is to help ports worldwide navigate the clean energy transition safely, sustainably, and securely.
We're proud to announce the publication of our peer-reviewed scoping review, ‘Digital Transitions of Critical Energy Infrastructure in Maritime Ports’, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The study found that:
Recently, we hosted an engaging workshop at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, Kenya, titled “Understanding the New Risks in the Digital Transition of Maritime Ports’ Energy Infrastructures.” The event convened 42 participants, including port authorities, industry leaders, and academic researchers, to tackle the pressing challenges of digitalising energy systems in African maritime hubs. Featuring keynote speeches from the UK, Singapore, Nigeria and Kenya. The three focused group discussions covered the emerging risks linked to digitalisation in critical energy infrastructure at maritime ports, assessed the current level of digital adoption, and examined the challenges, benefits, and drivers of transformation.
To build upon our success in Mombasa, the project team will host a hybrid workshop in the UK, focusing on validating our emerging risk-management framework and disseminating evidence gathered so far from the research to relevant stakeholders. We’ll engage relevant stakeholders from the maritime sector in the UK, Kenya, and other parts of the world in validating the framework.
We will aggregate the evidence into peer-reviewed publications and a publicly accessible report, based on the systematic review, empirical data, and refined framework. The report will be hosted by the University of Wolverhampton library and linked via the project website. Building on this collaboration, we aim to expand into a global network, securing larger grants to benchmark digital transition risks in maritime energy infrastructure and contribute to Lloyd’s Register Foundation safety evidence.
If you would like to know more about the project, contact the Project Lead, Dr Emmanuel Daniel (e.daniel2@wlv.ac.uk) or visit the project website.
The Port of Thessaloniki (ThPA S.A.) has become the first port in the EU and the Mediterranean to integrate RightShip’s Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) under the HELMEPA-led and Foundation-funded METAVASEA project.
Today, Lloyd's Register Foundation and the World Economic Forum have announced a new partnership focused on accelerating the transition to nature and people positive ports.
In this blog, our Chairman, Thomas Thune Andersen, emphasises why ports must adapt to the increasing challenges of climate change, and discusses how a nature-positive approach to port development can support sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.
