EUROGATE
ICT Logistics and EUROGATE Container Terminal have entered into a strategic partnership to design and implement a next-generation Equipment Control System (ECS), based on ICT Logistics’ SmartECS solution. This solution will be closely integrated with EUROGATE’s Terminal Operating System and scheduler, operateMyBox (oMb), and will control automated equipment from multiple suppliers in a fully vendor-neutral environment.
SmartECS as a central orchestration platform
SmartECS is a solution framework designed to orchestrate and optimise processes and equipment at container terminals. SmartECS acts as a central platform that harmonises communication between different types of equipment and suppliers, including Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, Automated Stacking Cranes (ASC) and Automated Terminal Trucks (ATT). The ATT represents a key innovation within the project and offers significant potential to enable autonomous horizontal transport for EUROGATE’s container terminals in Germany and for the wider sector.
Proven vendor-neutral automation approach
EUROGATE has selected ICT Logistics due to its proven ability to deliver an open and interoperable ECS platform that can interface with both commercial off-the-shelf solutions and in-house planningand scheduling systems, as well as with a wide range of automated equipment. SmartECS forms the crucial link between planning systems such as oMb and the equipment operating at the terminal, and supports reliable 24/7 operations. JP Broekgaarden, Business Development Executive at ICT Logistics, explains: “SmartECS enables innovation between equipment suppliers and terminal operators by forming a robust, vendor-neutral bridge between automated equipment and the Terminal Operating System (TOS).”
Joint development through close collaboration
This collaboration is based on equality and close cooperation, with EUROGATE and ICT Logistics jointly shaping the solution. ICT Logistics brings extensive knowledge and experience in the field of container terminal automation and ECS systems, whilst EUROGATE adds in-depth operational expertise. Michael Blach, Chairman of the Group Management Board at EUROGATE, says: “This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to open and scalable terminal technology.” Joseph Collins, Group Head of Automation at EUROGATE, adds: “Successful terminal automation requires close coordination between operations, automation systems and software platforms. ICT Logistics’ collaborative approach with EUROGATE’s automation and IT teams helps to reduce the complexity of integration and supports scalable, vendor-neutral operations.”
Together, the partners are developing a new terminal concept in which ATT will be responsible for horizontal transport and will support flexible, scalable and future-proof terminal operations.
SmartECS was developed independently by ICT Logistics as a set of core components that can be extended with customer-specific functionality. ICT Logistics is responsible for the entire product lifecycle, from requirements and system architecture to development, testing and maintenance. The platform is designed for high availability and performance, runs on Kubernetes and utilises industry-standard interfaces based on TIC4.0 and MQTT, with the flexibility to translate supplier-specific protocols where necessary.
Karim Henkens, CEO of ICT Group: “This partnership demonstrates how in-depth domain knowledge and advanced software engineering can help terminal operators achieve reliable, future-proof operations. With SmartECS, we provide the foundation for collaboration, scalable integration and long-term innovation within the terminal ecosystem.”
This partnership underlines the shared ambition of ICT Logistics and EUROGATE to accelerate innovation in automated container terminals through open, scalable and vendor-neutral solutions.