UNIKAI, part of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, and AKQUINET completed the AKIDU project, enhancing digitalization at the Port of Hamburg’s O’Swaldkai terminal. Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport via the IHATEC II program, the initiative was led by UNIKAI, AKQUINET, and HITeC e.V.

AKIDU, or Automated, AI-Integrated Dispatching for Universal Terminals, advanced AKQUINET’s CHESSCON platform for RoRo and break-bulk cargo needs. It tackled digitalizing complex cargo like cranes and turbines, developing tools for recording, planning, and visualization.

Key results include a prototype for optimized yard space allocation, a “Yard Allocation Filter” for automated storage, and a real-time 3D terminal visualization interface. Hartmut Wolberg of UNIKAI stated: “With the successful completion of AKIDU, we have the knowledge, technologies, and IT tools we need to future-proof our terminal processes.” Norbert Klettner of AKQUINET added: “UNIKAI was an excellent partner during the funding project, as they assisted with the operational development of our digital twin in CHESSCON.”

The Port of Hamburg supports digital trends like digital twins and blockchain. In September 2024, it partnered with Singapore for port efficiency projects, and in March 2025, its Altenwerder terminal secured 5G funding via the “DigiTest” initiative.