Digitalization & Innovation

In the logistics industry, innovation is the key to success. Through targeted investments in growth, development, sustainability, and digitalization, duisport is positioning itself as a leading driver of innovation—actively shaping the future of logistics.

Projects

Leading the way in logistics

In the highly competitive transport and logistics industry, the continuous advancement of supply chain processes is crucial. duisport focuses on innovative projects, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships with industry, research institutions, and technology companies to drive future-proof solutions in growth, green transition, and digital transformation.

New dimensions through strategic projects

At duisport, we implement large-scale infrastructure projects that not only increase capacity for our customers but also ensure our long-term competitiveness as a trimodal logistics hub in the heart of Europe.

Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT)

Covering an area of 267,000 square meters, the Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT) is being built on the former coal island in the Port of Duisburg, set to become Europe’s largest inland terminal. With a capacity of 850,000 TEU and a strong focus on climate-neutral operations, the DGT represents a major logistics milestone for future growth.

startport – The innovation platform for tomorrow’s logistics solutions

startport is the central innovation platform of the Port of Duisburg, building targeted bridges between the logistics industry and innovative startups. Through international scouting, startport identifies young technology companies with a focus on logistics and supply chain. These startups are strategically connected with established industry players to initiate joint pilot projects. In doing so, startport not only supports young companies in entering the market but also helps duisport and local businesses to identify and actively shape relevant future technologies at an early stage.

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Boosting efficiency through cutting-edge technologies

With the RiverPorts Planning and Information System (RPIS), we are establishing a digital standard system for inland ports and multimodal logistics clusters along the Rhine and across the European hinterland.

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Digitalization: Infrastructure meets intelligence

As an industry pioneer, duisport is committed to innovative digital technologies and is actively shaping the future of logistics at Europe’s largest inland port. To meet ever-growing demands, the #teamduisport is continuously working to integrate advanced digital solutions—ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data monitoring to augmented reality (AR)—into port and logistics operations.

Our digital vision

Structure for change. Guidance for innovation. Mindset for the future.
Our digital vision forms the strategic foundation for all digital activities at duisport. It clearly defines where we stand, where we want to go—and how we plan to get there. Four fields of action guide our approach:

Architecture & Capabilities

We are creating the structural foundations for digital progress: scalable IT infrastructure, modern software solutions, clear project organization—and above all, employees who are eager to drive change.

Digitalization of business processes

We analyze, streamline, and automate our processes. The goal is a unified, seamless, and efficient process landscape—end-to-end, transparent, and with clearly defined responsibilities.

Data & Analytics

We view data as a strategic resource. With Power BI as our central BI system, a powerful data architecture, and robust governance structures, we provide impactful decision-making foundations—from operational control to strategic planning.

Digital Business Models

We see data as a strategic resource. Using Power BI as our central BI system, along with a robust data architecture and governance structures, we create powerful decision-making foundations—from operational management to strategic planning.

Our vision is not a fixed concept, but a dynamic compass for our digital development—strategically grounded, practically defined, and collectively embraced.

Funding and Research Projects

TrailerPort

The IHATEC project TrailerPort is developing innovative solutions for the efficient process integration of trailers in inland ports. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).

RH2INE

RH2INE, the Rhine Hydrogen Integration Network of Excellence, is a project co-financed by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility. Its goal is to establish a hydrogen infrastructure along the waterways from Rotterdam to Genoa.

Additional Funding and Research Projects

H2BZ Shunting Locomotive

A preliminary study funded by MWIDE NRW on the feasibility of locomotives with hydrogen fuel cell hybrid drive systems (BZ-Hybrid or BZH) for typical use in the Duisburg port area and on the public rail network.

enerPort

As part of the “EnEff:Hafen” funding project by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, a concept is being developed for efficient energy supply in the Port of Duisburg within the context of the energy transition.

InnoPortAR

This project, funded under the BMVI’s IHATEC (Innovative Port Technologies) program, explores innovative applications of augmented reality (AR) in inland and seaports.

SecProPort

The SecProPort project develops and demonstrates scalable security architectures for business processes in German ports. The project is funded by the BMVI as part of the IHATEC (Innovative Port Technologies) program.

SELECT

Smart decision support for inland waterway logistics chains through AI-based ETA predictions. The project is funded by the BMVI under the IHATEC (Innovative Port Technologies) program.

NOVIMOVE

EU-funded project for innovative inland waterway transport concepts aimed at the efficient movement of goods.

NOVIMAR

The NOVIMAR project aims to optimize waterborne transport by ensuring optimal use of sea and inland waterways, extending the entire water transport chain into urban infrastructure.

DIANA

Digital Wagon Inspector Assistance System

TOLKIEN

Port Tower – Logistics Concepts for Inland Ports

KARAT

Artificial Intelligence for Healthy Working Conditions in Transport and Driving Professions

SETRI

Sensor Technology for Managing Trimodal Port Locations – A Digital Testbed in Duisburg

SEKRA

Sensor Technology and Data Platform for Testing Semi-Automated Gantry Cranes in Duisburg

SEGATE

Sensor and Communication Systems for Parking Space Monitoring and Terminal-Side Access and Departure Management in the Port of Duisburg

5G.smart.Logport Duisburg

Process Optimization in Duisburg’s Logport through 5G Connectivity

Shore Power in the Port of Duisburg

Development of a comprehensive shore power infrastructure to supply inland waterway vessels

MultiRELOAD

Port solutions for efficient, effective and sustainable multimodality

EDICT

Enhanced Data Interoperability for CT stakeholders for increasing operational efficiency and punctuality

SEAMLESS

Safe, Efficient and Autonomous: Multimodal Library of European Shortsea and inland Solutions

CleanH2Shipping

Demonstration of CAPEX- and OPEX-efficient hydrogen fuel cell-powered inland shipping using swappable H2Tank-Tainers and building an H2 ecosystem in and around ports

Contact

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us anytime.

Alexander Garbar

Leiter Corporate Development, Digitalization und Strategy