Funding for further research projects

The purpose of the ABC-Inspekt project (“Automatisierte Bild-Auswertung von Containerbrücken-Inspektionsflügen” or “Automated image assessment of container gantry crane inspection flights”) is to use image recognition software, particularly to facilitate the inspection of container gantry cranes. In the container gantry cranes’ critical construction areas, changes in the construction surface (paint irritation, surface bulging, corrosion) must be identified at an early stage using countless images to prevent damage or even ruptures. Until now, this torrent of images has been assessed by qualified individuals. To make the assessment of images more efficient, HHLA and the Institute for Geodesy and Photogrammetry at the Technical University of Braunschweig are developing a self-learning, automated image recognition system based on artificial intelligence. This system will allow complete documentation of potential trouble spots, improve maintenance processes and help avoid liability claims.

The second new project is called Cookie (“COntainerdienstleistungen Optimiert durch Künstliche IntelligEnz” or “Container services optimised through artificial intelligence”) and aims to create more efficient processes in an empty container depot. It will provide reliable forecasts about container availability, resource-saving optimisation of cleaning processes and automated identification and evaluation of damage. The development work is being carried out by two partners, the HHLA subsidiary HCCR (Hamburger Container- und Chassis-Reparatur-Gesellschaft) and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services.