Developing a Data-Driven Predictive Framework for Vessel Access Planning, Port Infrastructure Productivity, and Decarbonisation

About the research project

Ports are critical gateways for trade and supply chains, but their effective capacity is often constrained by the availability and coordination of infrastructure and operational resources such as berths, navigation channels, cargo-handling equipment, pilots and tug services. Delays can occur when vessel arrivals, cargo-handling completion, resource availability and environmental conditions do not align. With port infrastructure expansion requiring significant investment and time, improving the productivity and reliability of existing infrastructure provides an important alternative for accommodating future demand, while reduced vessel waiting and more efficient port calls may also contribute to wider decarbonisation efforts through lower fuel use and emissions.

Advances in digitalisation, data analytics and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for smarter port planning. Information from Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), vessel characteristics and draught, cargo-handling progress, equipment productivity, berth and channel status, pilot and tug availability, tides, water levels, currents and weather conditions can potentially provide a much more dynamic understanding of when port infrastructure will be ready for the next vessel.

This project aims to develop a data-driven planning framework to better anticipate vessel service completion, infrastructure availability and feasible vessel-access times under changing operational and environmental conditions. The research will investigate how more timely and integrated use of port data can support better vessel-access and resource-planning decisions, reduce avoidable vessel waiting and infrastructure idle gaps, and improve effective utilisation, throughput, schedule reliability and operational resilience. The project will have potential application to Australian port operations while remaining adaptable to different port and cargo contexts.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Reza Emad

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

Applicants should have sufficient quantitative and programming background to undertake data-driven predictive modelling; formal training will be provided where required.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

●     A Bachelor's degree with Honours, Master's degree by Research, or equivalent qualification in maritime engineering, shipping, port operations, logistics, computer science, data science, or a related quantitative or maritime field.

●     Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and academic writing skills.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

●     Experience with programming, real-world datasets, and optimisation or simulation modelling.

●     Familiarity with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other data-driven analytical methods.

●     Professional experience in maritime and port operations.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Reza Emad to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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