German terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) aims to be a gateway to the future, enabling containerships, trains but also data flow through the company’s terminals.
“Our overarching objective is to help our customers to transport their goods and commodities safely, quickly and efficiently from A to B – also in the future. In doing so, HHLA aims to be the gateway to the future,” Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of HHLA’s Executive Board, said.
In September, HHLA hosted a conference focusing on the question of how logistical transport flows will evolve as a result of digitalization. At the event, it was concluded that containers will still be around for some time to come.
However, HHLA said it needs to be prepared for change, in line with its strategic approach.
“Containers will still be around for some time to come. Therefore, we must continue to invest in strengthening our core business so that we can meet the future needs of our customers. Equally important is our search for new, digital business fields,” Titzrath pointed out.
As informed, more and more start-ups are discovering Speicherstadt historical warehouse district — where HHLA is located — as a location to transform their initial concepts into market-ready solutions. HHLA said it supports these innovation incubators. For example, HHLA has invested in a startup that specializes in software solutions for drones.
“Drones are already being used at HHLA’s terminals… However, we also see further potential for these unmanned flying objects,” Titzrath said.
According to HHLA Chairwoman, investments and partnerships are necessary in order to benefit from innovative developments as quickly as possible. The company also cooperates with the truck manufacturer MAN in the field of intuitive mobility as it wants to find solutions that will enable self-driving trucks to operate at HHLA’s terminals in the future.
