Moving the global economy

Wilhelmshaven, Germany  – EUROGATE, one of Europe’s largest container terminal and logistics companies, Embotech, a premier provider of autonomous driving solutions, MAFI, a leading manufacturer of terminal tractors and ICT Group a leading European provider of industrial technology solutions, announce a proof-of-concept project that will showcase the next phase of autonomous operations in port environments. Early 2025 marks the start of a groundbreaking six-month project at EUROGATE’s Wilhelmshaven Container Terminal. This project is designed to rigorously test the capabilities of autonomous terminal tractors in a complex, dual-environment setting – encompassing both landside and waterside container handling, with integration into existing quay crane workflows.

The project will deploy a MAFI’s T series as a base vehicle, powered by Embotech’s Level 4 AV-Kit and ICT Group’s SmartECS will integrate the equipment with the EUROGATE systems. This combination enables fully autonomous container transportation, optimizing both safety and efficiency in the terminal’s operations.

“We look forward to collaborate with Embotech, MAFI and ICT Group on this important project,” says Holger Bomm, CEO of EUROGATE Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven and Head of Automation at EUROGATE. “The proof-of-concept represents a significant step forward in our journey toward automated operations that meet the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”

With Embotech's Level 4 AV-Kit at their core, the ATTs are designed to optimize terminal operations with enhanced autonomy. Key benefits include the ability to navigate complex mixed-traffic environments, execute precise reverse driving with 5cm accuracy, and detect obstacles in any weather, ensuring smoother and safer operations. The system was tested successfully in landside operations in Rotterdam and will now expand into waterside operations, providing seamless integration with existing quay cranes.

“Introducing our technology to waterside operations opens new opportunities for efficient container handling. Unlike AGVs, our solution does not need segregated areas, enabling seamless container movement across the entire terminal”, states Andreas Kyrtatos, Embotech’s CEO. “We’re excited to be working with EUROGATE, MAFI and ICT Group to make this vision a reality.”

“All relevant vehicle functions of the MAFI terminal tractor can be controlled externally via a specially developed drive-by-wire interface. They are therefore triggered independently of the driver,” explains MAFI CEO Roland Hartwig. These functions include steering and braking, but also the operation of the fifth wheel coupling or the lighting. The control system is designed to guarantee complete control and safe operation under all conditions. MAFI developed this drive-by-wire interface together with Arnold NextG.

Another key aspect of the project is the testing of an IT integration between Embotech’s Fleet Management System PROFLEET and ICT Group’s Equipment Control System (SmartECS). This integration will allow seamless coordination between the autonomous tractor and existing terminal operations, providing real-time data exchange for efficient container handling.

“Designed with an agnostic principle, SmartECS offers the capability to connect with various types of equipment in the future with minimal effort. This setup also provides the freedom to integrate equipment from diverse suppliers,” explains ICT Group Business Development Executive JP Broekgaarden. This proof-of-concept shows how SmartECS fosters innovation between equipment suppliers, like MAFI and Embotech, and terminal operators, by using the SmartECS which serves as a bridge between the equipment and the Terminal Operating System (TOS).

The proof-of-concept will rigorously test how well the autonomous system performs across critical areas, including container handling at (simulated) ASC stacks, quay cranes and the rail crane terminal. Once the project has been successfully completed, the results will make an important contribution to the future direction of automation at the EUROGATE terminals.

More information about the project partners…

About EUROGATE

EUROGATE – that is bundled port expertise: We operate container terminals in 5 countries. As a leading container handling company, our core competencies also include areas such as transportation, maintenance and packaging. Over the past decades, we have developed into a central hub in the continent’s trade and logistics infrastructure. With state-of-the-art technology and many years of experience, we advance global supply chains and international trade: Moving the global economy.

Contact:
Steffen Leuthold, Head of Corporate Communications
steffen.leuthold@eurogate.eu
+ 49 (0) 421 1425-3803
https://www.eurogate.eu

About Embotech

Embotech is an award-winning provider of cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions for logistics, with a focus on Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) in passenger car factories and Autonomous Terminal Tractors (ATT) at port terminals and logistic centers. The company delivers safe and reliable autonomous transportation by leveraging the real-time optimization technology it has been developing since 2013.
www.embotech.com

For more information:
Niklas Thomas, Lead Business Development & Strategy Commercial Vehicle Automation
thomas@embotech.com
+49 175 8517955
www.embotech.com

About MAFI and TREPEL

MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH and TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH are leading manufacturers of special vehicles for intralogistics. The products are used worldwide for loading in seaports, heavy industry and airport logistics. Both brands stand for premium products that are characterized by high quality and technical innova-tion. More than 500 employees work at the company headquarters in Tauberbischofsheim as well as in Wiesbaden and Bremerhaven. https://www.mafi.de/,www.trepel.com

For further information:
Julian Großkinsky, Business Development Manager
MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH, Hochhäuser Straße 18, 97941 Tauberbischofsheim Phone: +49 9341 899 209, E-Mail: julian.grosskinsky@mafi.de

About ICT Group

We are a leading European provider of industrial technology solutions. With a track record of over 45 years, ICT Group has both extensive multi-domain expertise and in-depth industry knowledge. We deliver proven technology solutions and are uniquely positioned to help our clients make their business processes more efficient, flexible, simple, secure and - as a result - more sustainable.

JP Broekgaarden, Business Development Executive Ports & Terminals
JP.Broekgaarden@ict.nl
+31 (0)88 908 2000
https://www.ict.eu/en

The CONROO GATE PASS is now also available at the Hamburg EUROKOMBI terminal, the joint venture between Kombiverkehr and EUROGATE. The CONROO app enables the digital identification of truck drivers at the pick-up or delivery point, saves time and increases the security of the entire terminal operation. This means that CONROO's solution is now being used at its fourth location in Hamburg, alongside DUSS/ Billwerder, REMAIN and EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg.

Together with KOMBIVERKEHR, EUROGATE has been operating the publicly accessible EUROKOMBI handling facility for combined cargo transport in the immediate vicinity of Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) since 2002.

"With the deployment at EUROKOMBI, we are extending the use of the GATE PASS to other EUROGATE locations as planned. We are relying on this tried-and-tested solution to significantly improve processes for truck drivers at the EUROKOMBI terminal too," explains Patrick Jandt, Head of IT at the EUROGATE Group.

Gradual introduction at all German EUROGATE locations

The GATE PASS solution from CONROO was introduced at EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) on 20 March. Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven will follow, as well as other international EUROGATE locations. The cross-location introduction of the CONROO solution will set new standards for the entire EUROGATE Group, in the interests of climate-friendly combined transport and in the interests of the business location.

Felix Paul Czerny, Co-Founder & CEO of CONROO, looks back with confidence on the successes of recent weeks:

"With EUROKOMBI, we are now going live with the CONROO APP at our fourth location in Hamburg. This means that we have connected four locations in Hamburg alone to our system in less than ten weeks. This is real added value for truck drivers in Hamburg, as they can already drive to many locations with just one app."

Time savings for truck drivers and more safety in terminal operations

With the GATE PASS, the time-consuming and paper-intensive administrative process of registering truck drivers becomes obsolete. At the same time, the processing of transport orders is made considerably easier and faster thanks to early information and synchronisation regarding the gate and lanes. For the drivers, this means fewer queues and waiting times, more time for other jobs and greater safety, as it is no longer necessary to leave the truck at the terminal - except for the loading process. EUROGATE and CONROO are thus making a contribution to greater sustainability and security along the supply chain.

The fully digital GATE PASS not only ensures greater efficiency, but also significantly more security throughout terminal operations. The app solution works on all common mobile devices and covers the entire process, from registration and fully digital verification of the driver to DAKOSY route planning (TR02) and on-site instructions. The special feature: the system has numerous interfaces that integrate all the players involved along the logistics chain: These include TMS, platforms such as driveMybox as well as depots and warehouses. CONROO always acts as an independent and neutral partner in terms of location. The new "GATE PASS" app solution will be gradually introduced at all of the EUROGATE Group's German terminal locations from spring 2024.

We are thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership between EUROGATE Group and Prodevelop, marking a pivotal moment in our journey towards revolutionising container terminal operations. Prodevelop's expertise in IoT and Big Data projects has proven invaluable, earning them a prominent role as our services partner for the implementation of the Digital TwinSim solution at EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg.

During Stage I of the Digital TwinSim project, Prodevelop collaborated closely with all partners, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and delivering exceptional results. Their pivotal role in this initial phase solidified their position as a key contributor to the project's success.

Together with our esteemed partners, akquinet port consulting and the University of Hamburg, we are embarking on an ambitious endeavour to develop a digital twin of processes and equipment, reshaping the landscape of operations and maintenance in Hamburg. Adopting TIC 4.0 standards throughout, we aim to seamlessly integrate terminal equipment into a unified view, optimising operations for enhanced efficiency and productivity.

Patrick Jandt, Head of IT at EUROGATE, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "As we approach the key stage of the TwinSim project, leveraging big data to visualise current operations in real-time and predict future scenarios, our collaboration with Prodevelop stands as a cornerstone in our digital transformation journey."

Miguel Montesinos, CEO of Prodevelop, echoed this sentiment stating, "This collaboration with EUROGATE on the Digital TwinSim project marks a milestone in our mission to drive the digitalisation of port operations and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the container handling sector. We are committed to contributing to the continued success of this project."

Prodevelop's pivotal role in the success of this project cannot be overstated. Their establishment of a Data Lake and innovative processes to integrate IoT data from the physical layer with Terminal Operating System (TOS) systems has been instrumental in our pursuit of innovation and excellence in the Industry 4.0 era.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, shaping the future of container terminal operations and advancing towards a more efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven industry.

A digital and secure solution - that was the simple wish and vision behind the joint step and forward-looking cooperation between EUROGATE and CONROO. From 20 March, the GATE PASS solution from CONROO will be introduced at EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH), which, among other things, enables fully digital verification of truck drivers. The aim: more efficiency and greater security throughout the entire process at EUROGATE container terminals. EUROGATE is joining the well-proven CONROO APP solution from the hinterland, which is in the interests of climate-friendly combined transport and serves the business location.

EUROGATE operates container terminals in five countries in Europe and North Africa. The "GATE PASS", the digital solution developed by CONROO in close cooperation with EUROGATE for identifying truck drivers at the pick-up or delivery point, guarantees entry and departure without delays. The previous access authorization, the analogue "trucker card", will lose its validity from 2 May 2024 at the EUROGATE site in Hamburg and will be replaced by the CONROO GATE PASS. Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven will follow immediately, as will other international EUROGATE locations.

EUROGATE is thus relying on the CONROO APP solution, which has already proven itself at a large number of terminal and depot locations in the DACH region, including Deutsche Bahn terminals, Swissterminal and TriCon.

"Today we are taking more than just a step forward. By introducing the CONROO solution across all locations, we are setting new standards for the entire EUROGATE Group. But it also sends out a signal to other sea and hinterland terminals. Ultimately, everyone can benefit from the more efficient exchange of information along the entire supply chain," explains Michael Blach, Chairman of the EUROGATE Group Management Board.

The right solution for EUROGATE - and beyond

The fully digital GATE PASS not only ensures greater efficiency, but also significantly more security throughout terminal operations. The app solution works on all common mobile devices and covers the entire process, from registration and fully digital driver verification to DAKOSY route planning (TR02) and on-site instructions. The special feature: the system has numerous interfaces that integrate all the players involved along the logistics chain: These include TMS, platforms such as driveMybox as well as depots and warehouses. CONROO always acts as an independent and neutral partner in terms of location. The new "GATE PASS" app solution will be gradually introduced at all of the EUROGATE Group's German terminal locations from spring 2024.

"We are relying on a solution that has proven itself at hinterland terminals and depots and are using the digitalization of the trucker card to significantly improve processes at the terminal for truck drivers and us as terminal operators," explains Jannis Grantz, Project Manager at the EUROGATE Group.

More sustainability and safety through digitalization

The GATE PASS makes the time-consuming and paper-intensive administrative process of registering truck drivers obsolete. At the same time, the processing of transport orders is made considerably easier and faster thanks to early information and synchronization regarding the gate and lanes. For the drivers, this means fewer queues and waiting times, more time for other jobs and greater safety, as it is no longer necessary to leave the vehicle at the terminal - except for the loading process. EUROGATE and CONROO are thus making a contribution to greater sustainability and safety along the supply chain.

"The further development of the CONROO solution and connection of seaport terminals creates substantial added value for truck drivers, hauliers and terminal operators. Ultimately, the entire supply chain benefits from the digital connection between shippers and truck drivers that we create with CONROO CONNECT, our truck visit system. Together with Markus Hartung, Co-Founder and CTO, we launched CONROO in the hinterland in 2021 and are delighted to now also be able to serve seaport terminals," adds Felix Paul Czerny, Co-Founder and CEO of CONROO.

The Damietta Alliance Container Terminal (DACT) has signed the final financing contract for its state-of-the-art container terminal in Damietta, Egypt. The financing consortium comprises international development banks including European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”), the International Finance Corporation(“IFC”), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (“AIIB”), DEG and Proparco.

The signing event for the contract took place yesterday in the New Administrative Capital Cairo at the Ministry of Transport in presence of the Transport Minister of Egypt, the Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt, as well as the German Ambassador. Representatives from all lending institutions, DACT's management team, and consortium partners came together to mark this significant milestone in the project's development.

"We are particularly proud that this group of prominent development institutions, including EBRD, IFC, AIIB, DEG and Proparco is supporting the Damietta Alliance consortium with know-how, as well as a landmark financing package tailored to the necessities of the project," stated Tom Eckelmann, CEO of the EUROGATE Group.

“Our investment in the new terminal aims to open up new markets and boost economic growth in the region. The enhanced infrastructure will significantly improve our transshipment operations in the East Mediterranean market and at the same time provide better access to the local Egyptian trade”, said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG.

While the construction of the infrastructure is currently underway, the management team of DACT is already engaged in Damietta. The Go-Live of the terminal is scheduled for the beginning of 2025, with a final total operational capacity of 3.3 million TEU. The terminal will serve as Hapag-Lloyd's dedicated strategic transshipment hub in the East Mediterranean.

The Joint Venture, "Damietta Alliance Container Terminal S.A.E.," consists of three core shareholders: Hapag-Lloyd Damietta GmbH (39%), Eurogate Damietta GmbH (29.5%), and Contship Damietta Srl (29.5%). Additionally, Middle East Logistics & Consultants Group and Ship & C.R.E.W. Egypt S.A.E. each hold a 1% stake in the venture.