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Day: 18 January 2023

Automated Lorry Pilot Project in Tallinn

Posted on by David Priestman

A pilot project for highly automated lorry and electric container logistics is being launched at the HHLA TK Estonia terminal in Tallinn in partnership with HHLA International. HHLA Next, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s innovation unit, is investing in Munich-based start-up FERNRIDE.  The goal of the project is to develop solutions for the gradual automation of trucks within live operations.

HHLA Next is investing in FERNRIDE’s innovative solution to drive forward automation and sustainability in logistics and to address the lack of truck drivers. En route to automated transport logistics, the unique approach of FERNRIDE lies in the gradually increasing autonomy of trucks and tractor units. The combination of autonomous driving technology of the vehicles and human expertise in remote operation already offers a reliable service available now in live operations. This creates an immediate added value and speeds up the journey towards more sustainable logistics.

Simone Lode, Managing Director of HHLA Next: “We at HHLA Next invest in digital and sustainable business models in maritime logistics. We see great potential in autonomous driving solutions, also because of the current lack of truck drivers. With FERNRIDE, we are investing in a company that has already implemented a viable solution with a partner network of respected companies from industry and logistics with very good results. In addition, the project highlights our focus on sustainable logistics.”

Hendrik Kramer, CEO FERNRIDE: “HHLA is the perfect partner to use our platform for autonomous electric trucking in ports. The advantages of remote control can already be actively used by a part of the workforce within ports. With our solution, truck drivers can now also benefit. HHLA shares our ambition to scale this technology internationally, and the port in Tallinn offers ideal conditions in which to lay the foundation for this.”

HHLA Next is providing the new portfolio company with access to subsidiaries in the HHLA Group. A pilot project will start in early 2023 at the HHLA TK Estonia terminal in Tallinn – the first FERNRIDE project at a container terminal. The goal of the project is to determine the technology’s operational reliability in automated container handling and to validate the technology’s viability for future business opportunities.
Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International: “This partnership with FERNRIDE as part of the pilot project in Tallinn will help us to jointly explore new opportunities and to create workflows at our international terminals that are future-oriented and sustainable. We look forward to our collaboration with FERNRIDE and hope this project will be the beginning of a long partnership.”

Martin Isik, CCO FERNRIDE: “With our joint project during ongoing, live operations, we are creating the basis for series development and the adaptation of our solution to container logistics. We will use our gradual automation approach to demonstrate the high value proposition of the FERNRIDE platform for customers at container terminals. Thanks to HHLA International, we have also found the ideal partner for rapid scaling in the European region.”

The technology start-up FERNRIDE, which has approximately 100 employees, equips trucks and tractor units with sensors and cameras so that they can be remote-controlled via mobile networks. Teleoperators at a computer workstation that resembles a vehicle cockpit take remote control of the vehicles. The teleoperator receives and sends targeted commands in real time by controlling the gas pedal, brakes, steering wheel and joystick. FERNRIDE’s algorithms can be further trained using data from the real-life operation in order to roll out additional autonomous functions.

Truck drivers can be more flexibly deployed through the use of this new technology, which has a positive impact on operating procedures. In addition, the option to work remotely increases both the attractiveness of the job profile and safety on the respective premises.

Automated Lorry Pilot Project in Tallinn

Posted on by David Priestman

A pilot project for highly automated lorry and electric container logistics is being launched at the HHLA TK Estonia terminal in Tallinn in partnership with HHLA International. HHLA Next, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s innovation unit, is investing in Munich-based start-up FERNRIDE.  The goal of the project is to develop solutions for the gradual automation of trucks within live operations.

HHLA Next is investing in FERNRIDE’s innovative solution to drive forward automation and sustainability in logistics and to address the lack of truck drivers. En route to automated transport logistics, the unique approach of FERNRIDE lies in the gradually increasing autonomy of trucks and tractor units. The combination of autonomous driving technology of the vehicles and human expertise in remote operation already offers a reliable service available now in live operations. This creates an immediate added value and speeds up the journey towards more sustainable logistics.

Simone Lode, Managing Director of HHLA Next: “We at HHLA Next invest in digital and sustainable business models in maritime logistics. We see great potential in autonomous driving solutions, also because of the current lack of truck drivers. With FERNRIDE, we are investing in a company that has already implemented a viable solution with a partner network of respected companies from industry and logistics with very good results. In addition, the project highlights our focus on sustainable logistics.”

Hendrik Kramer, CEO FERNRIDE: “HHLA is the perfect partner to use our platform for autonomous electric trucking in ports. The advantages of remote control can already be actively used by a part of the workforce within ports. With our solution, truck drivers can now also benefit. HHLA shares our ambition to scale this technology internationally, and the port in Tallinn offers ideal conditions in which to lay the foundation for this.”

HHLA Next is providing the new portfolio company with access to subsidiaries in the HHLA Group. A pilot project will start in early 2023 at the HHLA TK Estonia terminal in Tallinn – the first FERNRIDE project at a container terminal. The goal of the project is to determine the technology’s operational reliability in automated container handling and to validate the technology’s viability for future business opportunities.
Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International: “This partnership with FERNRIDE as part of the pilot project in Tallinn will help us to jointly explore new opportunities and to create workflows at our international terminals that are future-oriented and sustainable. We look forward to our collaboration with FERNRIDE and hope this project will be the beginning of a long partnership.”

Martin Isik, CCO FERNRIDE: “With our joint project during ongoing, live operations, we are creating the basis for series development and the adaptation of our solution to container logistics. We will use our gradual automation approach to demonstrate the high value proposition of the FERNRIDE platform for customers at container terminals. Thanks to HHLA International, we have also found the ideal partner for rapid scaling in the European region.”

The technology start-up FERNRIDE, which has approximately 100 employees, equips trucks and tractor units with sensors and cameras so that they can be remote-controlled via mobile networks. Teleoperators at a computer workstation that resembles a vehicle cockpit take remote control of the vehicles. The teleoperator receives and sends targeted commands in real time by controlling the gas pedal, brakes, steering wheel and joystick. FERNRIDE’s algorithms can be further trained using data from the real-life operation in order to roll out additional autonomous functions.

Truck drivers can be more flexibly deployed through the use of this new technology, which has a positive impact on operating procedures. In addition, the option to work remotely increases both the attractiveness of the job profile and safety on the respective premises.

Emissions Data Sharing in Logistics Value Chain

Posted on by David Priestman

Today at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Smart Freight Centre and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released a new guidance, titled “End-to-End GHG Reporting of Logistics Operations”, to advance the quantification and sharing of logistics emissions and support the logistics industry on their journey to net-zero emissions. The two organizations are united in a mission to increase transparency on logistics emissions and work towards a net-zero logistics sector.

The objective of this guidance is to enable companies to better understand and track their logistics emissions on a granular operational level and seeks to quantify the footprint of end-to-end logistics emissions, from supplier to final customer, with focus on primary data calculations. Special focus was dedicated to multimodal logistics solutions, including ocean, road, train and air transportation. It sets out the data requirements, introducing a data quality index and the associated assurance requirements to support businesses in the implementation of their decarbonization strategies.

This guidance builds upon and complements two existing frameworks. The first being Smart Freight Centre’s Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework 2.0 – the globally recognized methodology for accounting and reporting of logistics emissions. The second being the WBCSD’s Pathfinder Framework – the guidance for accounting and exchange of product life cycle emissions.

Supported by the World Economic Forum, and McKinsey Sustainability as its knowledge partner, in partnership with over 30 leading global organizations, this consortium is taking the next steps in achieving net-zero logistics by launching an actionable and implementable guidance. Different use cases and associated business challenges in quantifying logistics emissions submitted by participating companies acted as a key reference in addressing different aspects of logistics operations.

In practice, the guidance provides solutions to core challenges faced in reporting of logistics emissions: reporting at a customer required level and from network operations; the combination and comparison of Scope 3 data with varying levels of granularity and differing reporting methodologies used; and, finally, a recommended assurance process to increase trust and confidence. This guidance is a springboard to further increase carbon visibility by enhancing emission data sets and the exchange of emission data that can be deployed in the industry.

Emissions Data Sharing in Logistics Value Chain

Posted on by David Priestman

Today at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Smart Freight Centre and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released a new guidance, titled “End-to-End GHG Reporting of Logistics Operations”, to advance the quantification and sharing of logistics emissions and support the logistics industry on their journey to net-zero emissions. The two organizations are united in a mission to increase transparency on logistics emissions and work towards a net-zero logistics sector.

The objective of this guidance is to enable companies to better understand and track their logistics emissions on a granular operational level and seeks to quantify the footprint of end-to-end logistics emissions, from supplier to final customer, with focus on primary data calculations. Special focus was dedicated to multimodal logistics solutions, including ocean, road, train and air transportation. It sets out the data requirements, introducing a data quality index and the associated assurance requirements to support businesses in the implementation of their decarbonization strategies.

This guidance builds upon and complements two existing frameworks. The first being Smart Freight Centre’s Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework 2.0 – the globally recognized methodology for accounting and reporting of logistics emissions. The second being the WBCSD’s Pathfinder Framework – the guidance for accounting and exchange of product life cycle emissions.

Supported by the World Economic Forum, and McKinsey Sustainability as its knowledge partner, in partnership with over 30 leading global organizations, this consortium is taking the next steps in achieving net-zero logistics by launching an actionable and implementable guidance. Different use cases and associated business challenges in quantifying logistics emissions submitted by participating companies acted as a key reference in addressing different aspects of logistics operations.

In practice, the guidance provides solutions to core challenges faced in reporting of logistics emissions: reporting at a customer required level and from network operations; the combination and comparison of Scope 3 data with varying levels of granularity and differing reporting methodologies used; and, finally, a recommended assurance process to increase trust and confidence. This guidance is a springboard to further increase carbon visibility by enhancing emission data sets and the exchange of emission data that can be deployed in the industry.

Tangier Port Maintains Leadership in Med

Posted on by David Priestman

Tangier Port / Tanger Med Port complex handled 107,822,662 tons in 2022, an increase of 6% compared to 2021, thus maintaining its ranking as the busiest port in the Mediterranean. This traffic is expected to represent about 54% of the total port tonnage handled in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Container Traffic on the rise

Excellent productivity levels were achieved over the past year and the record bar of 700,000 TEUs handled per month was surpassed. The Port Complex handled 459,091 trucks in 2022, up 13% from 2021. This good dynamic of the national exports was primarily driven by the industrial and agri-business sectors with respectively growths of 22% and 11%.

478,589 new vehicles were handled at the two vehicle terminals of Tanger Med Port Complex in 2022, up 11% compared to 2021. The traffic mainly consists of 295,393 vehicles for export produced by the Renault plants in Melloussa and SOMACA, and 124,112 vehicles for export produced by the Stellantis (Peugeot) plant in Kénitra.

Liquid bulk traffic grew by 6% compared to 2021. A total of 9,260,711 tons of hydrocarbons were processed. Solid bulk traffic recorded a total of 404,007 tons handled, an 18% increase over last year, largely due to sheet metal coil and grain traffic.

Passenger activity fully resumed in 2022 after the COVID-19-related health restrictions of 2020 and 2021. 2 071 504 passengers have transited through the Port Complex last year. In 2022, a total of 14,404 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, an increase of 32% compared to 2021, including 961 mega-ships (over 290 meters).

This growth is mainly due to the increase in productivity of container terminals for the reception and processing of mega-ships, as well as the resumption of crossings for passenger traffic especially during the Marhaba 2022 campaign. The performances achieved in 2022 are the result of the commitment and continuous collaboration of all Tanger Med Partners, in particular concessionaires, shipowners, local authorities and administrations.

Tangier Port Maintains Leadership in Med

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Tangier Port / Tanger Med Port complex handled 107,822,662 tons in 2022, an increase of 6% compared to 2021, thus maintaining its ranking as the busiest port in the Mediterranean. This traffic is expected to represent about 54% of the total port tonnage handled in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Container Traffic on the rise

Excellent productivity levels were achieved over the past year and the record bar of 700,000 TEUs handled per month was surpassed. The Port Complex handled 459,091 trucks in 2022, up 13% from 2021. This good dynamic of the national exports was primarily driven by the industrial and agri-business sectors with respectively growths of 22% and 11%.

478,589 new vehicles were handled at the two vehicle terminals of Tanger Med Port Complex in 2022, up 11% compared to 2021. The traffic mainly consists of 295,393 vehicles for export produced by the Renault plants in Melloussa and SOMACA, and 124,112 vehicles for export produced by the Stellantis (Peugeot) plant in Kénitra.

Liquid bulk traffic grew by 6% compared to 2021. A total of 9,260,711 tons of hydrocarbons were processed. Solid bulk traffic recorded a total of 404,007 tons handled, an 18% increase over last year, largely due to sheet metal coil and grain traffic.

Passenger activity fully resumed in 2022 after the COVID-19-related health restrictions of 2020 and 2021. 2 071 504 passengers have transited through the Port Complex last year. In 2022, a total of 14,404 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, an increase of 32% compared to 2021, including 961 mega-ships (over 290 meters).

This growth is mainly due to the increase in productivity of container terminals for the reception and processing of mega-ships, as well as the resumption of crossings for passenger traffic especially during the Marhaba 2022 campaign. The performances achieved in 2022 are the result of the commitment and continuous collaboration of all Tanger Med Partners, in particular concessionaires, shipowners, local authorities and administrations.

AI can Drive Supply Chain Future

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain issues have ceased to be a subject discussed solely among industry experts, writes James Newman, EMEA Director at GreyOrange. It is now a common concern voiced by businesses and consumers across the world and boasts a regular spot in the news headlines. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, 91% of consumers reported to taking the supply chain into consideration when making a purchase, an increase from just 45% before 2020, according to an Oracle survey.

Labour shortages, the Covid-19 pandemic, and global political unrest have been wreaking havoc on businesses’ ability to fulfil orders. Recent government census results show a twenty-six consecutive monthly increase in unfulfilled orders for manufactured goods.

The recent news that Amazon plans to close three of its UK warehouses, placing 1,200 jobs at risk, signals that even the world’s largest internet retailer is not immune to the problems in fulfilment and supply chains of recent years. Yet Amazon is preparing for the future, the warehouses it plans to shut will be replaced by new ones powered by robotics and automation.

It’s not all doom and gloom. The disruptions and troubles we are facing today allow us to reimagine and construct a stronger, more resilient supply chain of the future. The solution is already here: robotics and automation.

Overcoming labour shortages

It is no secret that there is currently a human labour shortage impacting most industries, and this is also true across every stage of the supply chain – especially in the warehouse. Instawork’s 2022 survey, found that 73% of warehouse operators couldn’t find enough labour. Businesses can try and entice workers with offering higher wages and increased benefits, but they still may be met with a limited response.

An often-overlooked problem for workers in the warehouse sector is that warehouses continue to be a comparatively unsafe place to work. The injury and work-related illness rate for the warehouse industry is 1 in 20 people – very high compared to many other jobs. The risk of injury or illness while working is driving a lot of people away from the sector, contributing to the growing warehouse worker shortage.

With a restricted workforce available, retailers are in danger of not being able to fulfil orders quickly enough, and therefore harming brand reputation with customers. Despite the pandemic induced spike in e-commerce sales, recent ONS findings show online retail sales to have returned to their pre-pandemic growth trajectory. This places online retail sales at 18.2% higher than their pre-pandemic levels. Yet, what the spike in sales during the pandemic has shown us is that supply chains are unprepared and technologically unequipped to manage sudden sharp changes in demand.

Current issues in distribution involving labour shortages, strikes, and delays could all be avoided by investing in robotic warehouse automation. The adoption of AI robotics can help to increase warehouse productivity by as much as 40%, reduce labour costs by as much as much one-third (33%), whilst also reducing order fulfilment time by as much as 50%.

With AI-powered robots in the warehouse, orders can be fulfilled 24/7 with no downtime, plus its flexibility and scalability means businesses can avoid overpaying and over-producing in their warehouses and distribution centres.

Robot-as-a-Service

RaaS is the means of leasing robotic devices and accessing a cloud-based subscription service rather than purchasing the equipment outright. The subscription-based service model puts an end to the worries of paying off an expensive piece of robotic equipment and dealing with any maintenance issues that arise.

Retailers are increasingly incorporating RaaS into their supply chains due to its scalability and flexibility, resulting in lower costs and increased efficiency. Businesses can scale up and down operation cost-effectively to meet peaks and drops in consumer demand, enabling businesses to only pay for what they use.

The lower entry cost of RaaS in comparison to traditional robotics programs grant small- and medium-sized businesses to access the benefits of robotics without the often cost-prohibitive initial investment.

The role that AI and Robotics can play in providing scalability, agility, and a great end-to-end customer experience, is an example of why technology changes need to be accelerated to ensure retailers stay nimble, and adaptable during high demand.

AI can Drive Supply Chain Future

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain issues have ceased to be a subject discussed solely among industry experts, writes James Newman, EMEA Director at GreyOrange. It is now a common concern voiced by businesses and consumers across the world and boasts a regular spot in the news headlines. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, 91% of consumers reported to taking the supply chain into consideration when making a purchase, an increase from just 45% before 2020, according to an Oracle survey.

Labour shortages, the Covid-19 pandemic, and global political unrest have been wreaking havoc on businesses’ ability to fulfil orders. Recent government census results show a twenty-six consecutive monthly increase in unfulfilled orders for manufactured goods.

The recent news that Amazon plans to close three of its UK warehouses, placing 1,200 jobs at risk, signals that even the world’s largest internet retailer is not immune to the problems in fulfilment and supply chains of recent years. Yet Amazon is preparing for the future, the warehouses it plans to shut will be replaced by new ones powered by robotics and automation.

It’s not all doom and gloom. The disruptions and troubles we are facing today allow us to reimagine and construct a stronger, more resilient supply chain of the future. The solution is already here: robotics and automation.

Overcoming labour shortages

It is no secret that there is currently a human labour shortage impacting most industries, and this is also true across every stage of the supply chain – especially in the warehouse. Instawork’s 2022 survey, found that 73% of warehouse operators couldn’t find enough labour. Businesses can try and entice workers with offering higher wages and increased benefits, but they still may be met with a limited response.

An often-overlooked problem for workers in the warehouse sector is that warehouses continue to be a comparatively unsafe place to work. The injury and work-related illness rate for the warehouse industry is 1 in 20 people – very high compared to many other jobs. The risk of injury or illness while working is driving a lot of people away from the sector, contributing to the growing warehouse worker shortage.

With a restricted workforce available, retailers are in danger of not being able to fulfil orders quickly enough, and therefore harming brand reputation with customers. Despite the pandemic induced spike in e-commerce sales, recent ONS findings show online retail sales to have returned to their pre-pandemic growth trajectory. This places online retail sales at 18.2% higher than their pre-pandemic levels. Yet, what the spike in sales during the pandemic has shown us is that supply chains are unprepared and technologically unequipped to manage sudden sharp changes in demand.

Current issues in distribution involving labour shortages, strikes, and delays could all be avoided by investing in robotic warehouse automation. The adoption of AI robotics can help to increase warehouse productivity by as much as 40%, reduce labour costs by as much as much one-third (33%), whilst also reducing order fulfilment time by as much as 50%.

With AI-powered robots in the warehouse, orders can be fulfilled 24/7 with no downtime, plus its flexibility and scalability means businesses can avoid overpaying and over-producing in their warehouses and distribution centres.

Robot-as-a-Service

RaaS is the means of leasing robotic devices and accessing a cloud-based subscription service rather than purchasing the equipment outright. The subscription-based service model puts an end to the worries of paying off an expensive piece of robotic equipment and dealing with any maintenance issues that arise.

Retailers are increasingly incorporating RaaS into their supply chains due to its scalability and flexibility, resulting in lower costs and increased efficiency. Businesses can scale up and down operation cost-effectively to meet peaks and drops in consumer demand, enabling businesses to only pay for what they use.

The lower entry cost of RaaS in comparison to traditional robotics programs grant small- and medium-sized businesses to access the benefits of robotics without the often cost-prohibitive initial investment.

The role that AI and Robotics can play in providing scalability, agility, and a great end-to-end customer experience, is an example of why technology changes need to be accelerated to ensure retailers stay nimble, and adaptable during high demand.

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