New Report on Global Port Trends: Automation and Digital Innovation Grow Despite Challenges
MUNICH & HAMBURG, GERMANY : A new report has been released, highlighting the key automation and digitalization trends transforming the global port and terminal logistics sector. Jointly presented by FERNRIDE, passify, and heyport, with support from HHLA Next and HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), the report provides essential insights for industry professionals facing the challenges of port modernization.
The report, based on an extensive survey conducted in October 2024 via the Port Technology International platform, presents findings and insights from 101 industry professionals. Terminal operators, logistics leaders, and other stakeholders will find valuable guidance on navigating the current landscape and future strategies for adopting new technologies.
“As container terminals face rising demands for efficiency, safety, and sustainability, automation and digitalization have become essential to modern operations,“ comments Peter Szelei, Senior Director of Business Development at FERNRIDE. “Our motivation in creating this report with our partners was to provide the industry with actionable insights that help ports and terminals adopt new technologies smoothly and sustainably. This holistic process requires us to collaborate, learn from one another, and share best practices to keep the entire sector competitive and resilient.”
Key findings from the report:
- Moderate Automation Rising: Over half of respondents report moving from minimal to moderate automation, with larger terminals advancing faster, while smaller ones focus on incremental, affordable upgrades.
- Phased Digitalization: With 80% of terminals reaching moderate to high digitalization, technologies like digital twins, predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning are becoming essential for data-driven, streamlined operations.
- Top Motivators: The main drivers for tech adoption include operational efficiency, cost savings, and data-driven insights, reflecting a push toward improved throughput and resource management.
- Adoption Challenges: Initial costs, integration issues, and workforce adjustments are key barriers, but gradual investment and scalable solutions help mitigate these challenges.
“Implementing automation and digitalization in ports comes with real hurdles— complexities of existing infrastructure, high initial costs, and the need to bring the workforce along on this journey. These are not easy barriers to overcome. But despite the complexity, we’re seeing that the long-term benefits in efficiency and operational resilience are well worth the effort. Every step forward strengthens our industry’s competitiveness and sets a new standard for safety and productivity”, says Marcel Lindemann, Co-Founder of passify.
FERNRIDE, passify, and heyport bring together expertise in autonomous and digital solutions for the logistics industry. Supported by HHLA Next and HPC, the report embodies a shared commitment to advancing technological innovation in port logistics. For more information and a full report, please visit: https://www.fernride.com/report-on-automation-and-digital-innovation
“This report represents a practical roadmap for sustainable technology adoption, helping ports and terminals make informed, gradual transformations within their capabilities and budget, always according to their vision. Offering strategic guidance on phased automation, interoperability, data infrastructure, and workforce training, the report promotes a resilient and competitive future,” said Danai Antonopoulou, automation expert at HPC.
About FERNRIDE
FERNRIDE offers scalable automation solutions for yard trucking that increase productivity, promote sustainability, and improve worker safety. The company employs a human-assisted autonomy approach, which allows for remote takeovers of trucks when necessary. This ensures seamless integration and reliable operations for logistics operators. With over a decade of research and high-profile customers, including Volkswagen, HHLA, and DB Schenker, FERNRIDE uses cutting-edge technology to address major industry challenges, such as driver shortages and the negative environmental impact of logistics operations. The company was founded by Hendrik Kramer, Maximilian Fisser, and Jean-Michael Georg, and currently has over 150 employees.
About passify
Passify is a Hamburg-based logistics start-up which digitises and automates truck handling through a self-service app that enables drivers to book slots, check-in digitally and identify
themselves securely via two-factor authentication. Designed to enhance both security and efficiency, passify is already deployed at three major container terminals operated by Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) in Hamburg.
About heyport
heyport is a digital planning platform fostering smart and sustainable port operations through innovative, real-time collaboration and communication – as a scalable solution across ports worldwide. For terminals, vessel operators, and port communities who lack reliable planning information, heyport is the all-in-one platform that offers out-of-the-box integrations and streamlines communications to plan port calls well ahead of time. heyport is made for all kinds of terminals and cargo, proven by more than 5,000 port calls on the platform from container, ro-ro, and bulk terminals so far. Users achieve 14% CO2 emission savings through just-in-time arrivals, 90% less manual communication, and 180 min savings on planning—per port call.
About HHLA Next
HHLA Next is the innovation and investment unit of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), focused on transforming maritime logistics through innovation. At HHLA Next, ideas are turned into successful products and business models, either in the form of in-house developments (BUILD), in cooperation with partners (PARTNER) or through investments in innovative companies (INVEST).
About HPC
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a global leader in logistics consulting, driving innovation across ports, terminals, and hinterland logistics. Founded in 1976, the Hamburg-based firm has completed over 1,800 projects in 135 countries, guiding clients through every stage of the port project cycle.HPC focuses on automation, AI-driven operations, and digitalization, offering solutions like Port Community Systems and Maritime Single Windows. Alongside these core areas, HPC provides a broad portfolio of consulting services that support sound investment decisions, efficient operations, and seamless facility optimization. With a team of approximately 100 experts—including terminal operators, data scientists, and logistics specialists—HPC combines deep industry knowledge with advanced technology to help clients optimize operations, unlock efficiencies, and achieve sustainable growth. HPC’s roots and expertise span container, breakbulk, and multipurpose handling, as well as hinterland operations.