Logport I in Duisburg Port Becomes 5G Terminal

In Duisburg Port, the establishment of a 5G test field has begun. The mobile communication technology will be used to test the semi-automated control of port cranes. The goal is to increase the capacity for container handling in this way. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has selected the project for funding through the 5G.NRW competition and will provide around one million euros over the next two years.

(Duisburg) The project was officially launched at a public kick-off event on November 3rd in Duisburg’s inner harbor. City Director and City Treasurer Martin Murrack welcomed the project participants and wished them success.

A semi-automatic control of mobile handling equipment in inland ports is currently not possible. The project partners aim to create the technical prerequisites for this for the first time in Duisburg. Involved are the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), startport GmbH, Deutsche Telekom, and POLO KNOW-HOW Industrie-Engineering GmbH. The research and development work is coordinated by Prof. Andreas Stöhr from the engineering sciences at UDE.

“We want to develop and test innovative logistics solutions based on 5G in Duisburg, on parts of the largest inland port in Europe,” said the scientist.

Increasing Crane Capacity Through Automation

Deutsche Telekom is equipping the Logport I port area in Rheinhausen with its own 5G campus network for the project. Such a campus network is an exclusive, locally limited mobile network that can be tailored to individual technical needs. It forms the basis for the digitalization of the required control units. The container cranes handle the essential part of the goods handling. The semi-automation with the help of 5G is expected to increase the capacity of the cranes. This would allow for an increase in container turnover without the port needing additional space. It is also planned to connect a variety of cameras and sensors in the port area via 5G technology. This is intended to make the handling of goods via road, rail, and water even more transparent and manageable.

Optimized Logistics Processes

The establishment of the 5G campus network on the port premises will benefit not only the duisport group but also local companies. With 5G technology, they can automate and further optimize their individual processes. For crane operators, this improves working conditions, while the new mobile generation makes processes more reliable and safer. Additionally, 5G enhances continuity in processing.

As an innovation partner from the crane industry, the Duisburg company POLO KNOW-HOW is involved in the project. Its managing director Rüdiger Tornow sees further growth opportunities and new business fields for his company in 5G technology: “In the context of this project, we want to demonstrate that 5G is the right answer to the challenges posed by the existing gap in the communication infrastructure of the terminals. This opens up the opportunity for our company to provide current and future technological innovations for all devices involved in port handling efficiently, reliably, and safely.”

New Innovations Made Possible by 5G Technology

Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at duisport and managing director of startport GmbH, explains: “5G technology enables the testing of new innovations in intermodal logistics. The results of the project could serve as a blueprint for other terminals in Duisburg, as well as for hinterland terminals across Germany and internationally. I am particularly pleased with the close connection to our activities at startport. In implementing automation, we also rely on startup innovations. Furthermore, the campus network at Logport I provides ideal conditions for testing new business models of technology-driven startups from our program.”

Hagen Rickmann, managing director of the business customer division at Telekom Deutschland GmbH, emphasizes: “Telekom has the opportunity here in Duisburg not only to build and operate the infrastructure. With this project, we will explore and develop new application fields for 5G together with our partners. Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role, especially in logistics processes. 5G is a key driver for this. Both Duisburg Port and the companies operating there will benefit from this project.”

Support from the City of Duisburg

The city of Duisburg supports the initiative and expects this flagship project in the port logistics sector to attract attention. “We expect that this will attract companies that can test and apply their 5G logistics solutions here in Duisburg,” says Matthias Börger, deputy mayor of the city of Duisburg. “The city of Duisburg will become the engine and role model of digital transformation in Duisburg and the region, perfectly complementing our city’s Smart City strategy.”

Photo: © Hans Blossey / Caption: Terminal Logport I in Duisburg