EUROGATE and ICT Logistics have entered into a strategic partnership to design and implement a next-generation Equipment Control System.
The system will be based on ICT Logistics’ SmartECS solution and will manage automated terminal equipment from multiple suppliers within a vendor-independent environment.
SmartECS will integrate with EUROGATE’s Terminal Operating System and its operateMyBox scheduler.
SmartECS will operate as a central platform for coordinating and optimising terminal processes and equipment.
The system will harmonise communication between ship-to-shore cranes, automated stacking cranes and automated terminal trucks.
Automated terminal trucks represent a key element of the project. EUROGATE and ICT Logistics aim to use the vehicles to support autonomous horizontal container transport at EUROGATE’s terminals in Germany.
EUROGATE selected ICT Logistics to develop an open and interoperable platform capable of connecting with different planning and scheduling systems.
SmartECS can interface with both commercial and internally developed systems, as well as automated equipment from various manufacturers.
The platform will connect EUROGATE’s operateMyBox planning system with equipment operating across the terminal yard.
“SmartECS enables innovation between equipment suppliers and terminal operators by providing a robust, vendor-independent bridge between automated equipment and the Terminal Operating System,” said JP Broekgaarden, Business Development Executive at ICT Logistics.
EUROGATE and ICT Logistics will jointly shape the solution by combining their respective technology and operational expertise.
“This cooperation reflects our long-term commitment to open and scalable terminal technology,” said Michael Blach, Chairman of the Group Management Board of EUROGATE.
“Successful terminal automation depends on close coordination between operations, automation systems and software platforms,” said Joseph Collins, Group Head of Automation at EUROGATE.
“ICT Logistics’ collaborative approach with EUROGATE’s Automation and IT teams helps reduce integration complexity and supports scalable, vendor-independent operations,” he added.
The partners will develop a terminal concept in which automated terminal trucks perform horizontal transport operations.
ICT Logistics independently develops SmartECS as a collection of core components that can be expanded with customer-specific functions.
The company will manage the full product lifecycle, including requirements, system architecture, development, testing and maintenance.
The platform runs on Kubernetes and uses industry-standard interfaces based on TIC4.0 and MQTT. It can also translate supplier-specific protocols when required.
“This cooperation demonstrates how deep domain expertise and advanced software engineering can help terminal operators achieve reliable, future-ready operations,” said Karim Henkens, CEO of ICT Group.
“With SmartECS, we provide the foundation for collaboration, expandable integration and long-term innovation across the terminal ecosystem,” he added.
