Port of Hamburg Digitization: UNIKAI and AKQUINET Complete AKIDU Project

UNIKAI, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik, and IT service provider AKQUINET have successfully completed the AKIDU digitization project at the O’Swaldkai multi-purpose terminal in the Port of Hamburg. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) under the IHATEC II program, the project focuses on enhancing the handling of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and oversized project cargo, such as cranes, turbines, and special vehicles, which are challenging to standardize digitally.

UNIKAI is adopting digital solutions to ensure sustainable and efficient planning and operational processes amid evolving land use and rising efficiency demands at O’Swaldkai. The AKIDU project developed practical IT tools for digital recording, planning, and visualization of traditional handling processes, delivering key outcomes like forward-looking land use planning, intelligent storage management, and a 3D real-time visualization interface.

UNIKAI’s managing director, Hartmut Wolberg, highlighted that the project equipped them with the knowledge and tools to future-proof terminal operations, crediting AKQUINET’s IT expertise and operational understanding for its success. The next step involves integrating standardized digital data from clients to fully leverage the new systems.

Initiated by UNIKAI with AKQUINET and the Hamburg Informatics Technology Center (HITeC), the project utilized AKQUINET’s CHESSCON software platform, tailored for break bulk and RoRo industries, while HITeC developed an automated method for measuring various cargo types. AKQUINET’s managing director for ports and terminals, Norbert Klettner, praised the collaboration and expressed enthusiasm for transitioning the solution to live operations.