HHLA TK Estonia, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), and Munich-based scale-up FERNRIDE have successfully completed the first phase of their joint project at the Estonian terminal.
The companies will continue to work on the technology and promote self-driving cars. Their collaboration began in January at the HHLA TK Estonia port near Tallinn.
The first project phase’s purpose was to assess the technology’s operational dependability in the field of automated container handling and evaluate its suitability for future commercial prospects.
The FERNRIDE system was successfully incorporated into the work processes of HHLA TK Estonia after the project team demonstrated proof of concept during the first phase.
Key to this was in particular the participation of operating employees at the terminal, who addressed the specifics of terminal processes.
The yard truck that FERNRIDE had equipped with sensors and cameras was already able to transport initial containers between the quayside and the yard via remote control.
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Autonomous driving will now be incorporated into operational procedures with the commencement of the second phase.
An extra automated yard vehicle for container transport plans to be installed at the terminal for this purpose.
The aim for HHLA and FERNRIDE is to attain at least 80 to 90 per cent autonomy.
Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International, said: “Thanks to the joint project with FERNRIDE, we have been able to test the system directly in the operational business of HHLA TK Estonia.
“The implementation has proven itself in daily terminal operations, so that proof of concept could be achieved at an early stage. Our goal is to create work processes at our international terminals that are future-oriented and sustainable.”
Martin Isik, CCO at FERNRIDE, added: “We are looking forward to the next phase of productive and successful collaboration with HHLA.
“HHLA shares our values and our ambitions of scaling this technology internationally, and the TK Estonia terminal offers ideal conditions to lay the foundation for this.”
In June 2023, HHLA and ABB Ltd. partnered to increase efficiency in the long-term operation of big automated stacking crane (ASC) systems.
That same month, HHLA and COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSPL) signed an agreement for CSPL’s minority shareholding in Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT).
