Container terminals around the world need to innovate and adopt new technologies. The pressure is rising to address challenges like labor shortages and the need to stay competitive in an ever-changing world. For Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a leading European port and transport logistics company, the adoption and introduction of innovative technologies is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality.
In the spirit of progress, HHLA made the strategic decision to deploy automated horizontal transport in mixed traffic, aiming to increase efficiency and throughput. This forward-thinking approach brought them together with us at FERNRIDE, a technology company at the forefront of autonomous trucking solutions.
As a digital-oriented terminal, HHLA TK Estonia, the largest container terminal operator in the country, is open to innovative solutions as an early adopter. In April 2023 FERNRIDE and HHLA TK Estonia started an on-site project in Tallinn, deploying a first terminal tractor in a validation phase, before starting the commissioning and integration of two automated terminal tractors later last year.
Reflecting on over a year of successful cooperation of FERNRIDE and HHLA, we would like to share the insights gained from this remarkable deployment.
HHLA TK Estonia operates in Muuga Port and is the largest specialized port terminal in Estonia that has operated in the port of Tallinn since 1986, with HHLA on board since 2018. The Terminal’s favorable geographic location allows it to serve major regional markets, connecting Scandinavia to Western and Southern Europe, and markets in the Mediterranean basin. Muuga is one of the most important Estonian cargo ports located in a customs-free zone. As a logistics hub in the Baltic region, Muuga is also particularly significant for transit traffic. The terminal is directly connected to the broad-gauge rail network and serves daily RoRo liner shipping to Helsinki.
FERNRIDE is providing a solution for horizontal container transport in waterside operations with mixed traffic. Autonomous terminal tractors (ATTs) are operating alongside manual trucks, as well as external trucks, container handling equipment, and humans. FERNRIDE-enabled ATTs operate in the unfenced area at the container terminal, while also passing by other areas, including RoRo and train tracks. Moreover, the terminal tractors equipped with an autonomy-enabling Vehicle Kit are exposed to extreme weather and low light conditions with harsh, long, and dark winters.
Uptime and high operational performance are vital at any container terminal. This is why the implementation of any new solution must be swift, economically sound, and integrate seamlessly into current logistics operations without causing disruptions.
To ensure reliability and high operational performance, FERNRIDE takes a human-assisted approach to autonomy. This is how it works: the vehicles execute most of their tasks in autonomous mode, while a remote operator oversees them and may assist with the exception handling or even take over driving if needed. This way the implementation into the live operations is not only seamless but demonstrates the benefits of automation from day one.
At the project's outset, the primary goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of FERNRIDE’s automated horizontal transport system at HHLA TK Estonia with a phased approach, ensuring it could effectively participate in the terminal's operations.
The setup of the ATT, Control Station and initial testing at the terminal were closely coordinated with the operations management team's goals and requirements. This process included extensive safety training and technology orientation for the employees of HHLA TK.
Upon achieving the outlined goal, the project has moved on to the second stage: Integration of autonomous driving into operations to achieve a degree of autonomy of at least 80 to 90 percent.
Riia Sillave, CEO of HHLA TK Estonia said,” The joint project with FERNRIDE enabled us to test autonomous driving directly in container terminal operations. The implementation has proven itself in daily vessel handling operations so that the proof of remote transport management could already be achieved at an early stage. We really enjoy working together with the FERNRIDE team which shows a high level of competence and professionalism. We will now continue the cooperation with FERNRIDE and pursue the goal of making workflows at the group's international terminals future-oriented and sustainable."
Today, after more than a year of successful cooperation in the terminal and FERNRIDE-enabled ATTs being a part of daily live operations and doing productive moves, it is time to share the insights and learnings from this unique deployment.
“After one year of working together with FERNRIDE, I can conclude that the technology is viable, and offers good opportunities for use in the logistics sector”, said Toomas Uibokant, Operations Manager at HHLA TK Estonia. He continued: “There is no major effort required from our operations team to implement and operate the solution in our terminal.”
Not only is it very important to be immersed into the operational environment completely, but for autonomous trucks to function, a seamless integration with TOS is a must. Automation and digitalization of related processes are vital for successful deployments of autonomy.
Flexibility in terms of changing the route at any time, mixed traffic operation, and the possibility of expanding the operational area were pointed out as additional benefits by the operations team at HHLA TK Estonia. Moreover, the solution has the standardization of processes to improve the productivity and safety in the terminal.
“Would this solution create more work for the operations team? Can we handle an additional project with the current workload? Will it negatively impact our uptime and operational excellence? All these questions reflected valid concerns of the on-site team,” Toomas Uibokant reflected on the pre-deployment conversations. “After more than a year of having FERNRIDE’s solution at the terminal, we conclude that these concerns have not materialized. FERNRIDE’s solution is fully integrated into the operations and is invisible to us in our daily work.”
Transparency about goals, challenges, and expectations is crucial when implementing innovative solutions. Even when difficulties arise, the ability to collaborate, think creatively, and embrace change is key to successful cooperation. By being an early adopter, a terminal not only contributes to the development of future technology but also ensures it is tailored to meet its specific needs.
FERNRIDE’s Vehicle Kit is designed to last, enduring extreme conditions, like strong winds, heavy rains or snowfalls, and long periods of low temperatures, which are very common in Tallinn. The hardware has been put to a test during the daily live operations in all seasons.
The successful collaboration of HHLA TK Estonia and FERNRIDE is more than just a success story. It is an inspiring example of how embracing innovation and technology can redefine the boundaries of an industry.
The adoption of FERNRIDE's technology signals a significant shift in the terminal operations landscape. By demonstrating the potential and benefits of automated horizontal container transport, HHLA TK Estonia has paved the way for others in the industry to follow.
We were honored to present our deployment to the industry leaders at TOC Europe 2024. To get a glimpse into the presentation, you can watch this short interview that was recorded right after the presentation on stage.
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Peter Szelei, Senior Director of Business Development at FERNRIDE
Peter Szelei is a business development leader with over 12 years of experience in smart mobility, autonomous driving, and the automotive industry. He specializes in helping startups and tech companies enter new markets and commercialize advanced technologies. As Director of Business Development at FERNRIDE, Peter leads efforts to drive commercial growth through strategic partnerships and key customer onboarding. Previously, he held similar roles at Yandex Self-Driving Group and AEye, Inc. Peter has a degree in business administration and a master’s in management with a focus on entrepreneurship.