AGORA Group Meets for Year-End Event at Container Terminal Herne

On the kind invitation of Container Terminal Herne (CTH), the AGORA Group gathered in Herne for an insightful year-end meeting.

The “Current Topics” session was packed with engaging discussions. Key issues included alternative lighting concepts in track alley areas—such as ground-level lighting—and incentives for equipment-friendly and error-free operations. Another major focus was costly derailments in terminal operations. AGORA members explored sensor and camera-based solutions for cranes to detect derailments at an early stage and minimize damage to rail infrastructure. Additionally, the group reviewed survey results on mobile wagon maintenance in terminal tracks. Increasingly, minor maintenance tasks such as lubrication or brake shoe replacements can be carried out on-site—following defined processes and safety protocols. This reduces time-consuming shunting movements, benefiting wagon operators.

Spotlight on Digitalization

On the second day, the group delved into digitalization initiatives at Terminal Herne. Dennis Majewski, Deputy Terminal Manager and IT expert, introduced a range of pragmatic and cost-effective IT solutions currently being implemented, including:

  • a truck driver app providing real-time updates on load unit status,
  • an AI-powered translation terminal based on ChatGPT for truck check-ins,
  • AI-based parking space monitoring,
  • an AI-driven wagon management system that automatically updates wagon sequencing after shunting operations—eliminating the need for time-consuming manual documentation.

Terminal Tour & Outlook

Following a joint lunch, the group embarked on a terminal tour. The terminal’s strong specialization in trailer transport was immediately evident. A key highlight was the AI-powered, camera-based tracking of trailer parking positions. Since truck drivers do not always park trailers in their assigned spots, this technology ensures efficient location management and eliminates time-consuming search efforts.

As always, the event concluded with the traditional group photo. A big thank you to Dennis Majewski and his team for their hospitality and for providing such valuable insights into the unique operations at Terminal Herne!Dear participants and interested parties of the ScanMed Corridor,

Source: KombiConsult, U.Sondermann

Background

The AGORA Intermodal Terminals Working Group was established in 2011 as a result of an EU project. The approach of the working group is to bring together terminal operators in order to promote the exchange of information and ideas and joint learning with regard to “good practices” in terminal management, increasing terminal capacities and improving interaction with CT operators, rail transport companies and other CT stakeholders. The office of AGORA is managed by KombiConsult GmbH, Frankfurt am Main. More information on www.intermodal-terminals.eu