UNIKAI and AKQUINET modernise handling processes at O’Swaldkai

UNIKAI Lagerei- und Speditionsgesellschaft mbH specialises in the handling of RoRo cargo and complex, oversized project cargo such as cranes, turbines and special vehicles. These goods can hardly be standardised andcould previously only be digitally recorded to a limited extent. Against the backdrop of changing land use at O’Swaldkai and increasing efficiency requirements, UNIKAI is relying on digital solutions to make planning and handling processes viable and sustainable. 

The AKIDU research project (automated, AI-integrated dispatching for universal terminals) addressed precisely this issue. The aim was to develop practical IT tools for the digital recording, planning and visualisation of conventional handling processes. 

The most important results of the research project at a glance:

• Forward-looking land use planning: A software prototype enables the needs-based allocation of yard space based on notifications – for greater predictability and space efficiency.
• Intelligent storage space management: The advanced “Yard Allocation Filter” automatically calculates the optimal storage spaces for various types of goods.
• 3D visualisation of the terminal: A new interface shows the terminal’s occupancy in real time – with filter options by ship, type of goods and yard location.

Hartmut Wolberg, Managing Director of UNIKAI: “With the successful completion of AKIDU, we - have the knowledge, technologies and IT tools we need to future-proof our terminal processes. AKQUINET not only contributed its in-depth IT expertise to the project, but also a genuine understanding of our operations, which was a decisive factor in the project’s success. Thanks to the project results, we can now work on the next steps: standardised digital product data from our clients. With the help of this data, we can fully utilise the new systems in live operation.”

Norbert Klettner, Managing Director for Ports & Terminals at AKQUINET: “UNIKAI was an excellent partner during the funding project, as they assisted with the operational development of our digital twin in CHESSCON and the integration of additional cargo types. Now we are looking forward to transferring this solution to production operations with UNIKAI.”

UNIKAI initiated the project as a sponsor, together with IT service provider AKQUINET and the Hamburg Informatics Technology Center (HITeC e.V.). AKIDU was funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) as part of the IHATEC II programme. 

AKQUINET contributed its CHESSCON software platform and many years of experience in terminal simulation. In close cooperation with UNIKAI, the solution was further developed specifically for the requirements of the break bulk and RoRo sector. At the same time, HITeC developed a process for the automated measurement of a wide range of goods – a key step for the digital recording of special and project cargo.