AGORA Equipment Exchange: Focus on Automation

More than 50 experts – from both terminal owners/operators and equipment manufacturers – accepted the invitation of KombiConsult GmbH to this year’s Equipment Exchange.

The seminar focused on the automation of gantry crane operations.

• Automation levels: AGORA Secretary General Uwe Sondermann presented the AGORA group’s proposal for defining automation levels to be discussed.
• Technological insights: Philipp Rott (DSD Hilgers) and Martin Christ (Polarith) showcased how cranes and sensors already interact effectively in a current project and what potential they see for reaching the next “performance level.” Tobias Neumann (UEBEX) explained how “S-LAZE” lamps can improve personnel safety in automated terminals.
• Ergonomics & workplace design: Auke Jellema (Metargo) highlighted the importance of ergonomically designed remote-control stations to ensure crane drivers can work efficiently and without strain as their role shifts from the cabin to the control room.
• Practical examples: Ludger Prause (DUSS) reported on different models of crane maintenance – in-house, outsourced, and hybrid – across the 23 DUSS terminals in Germany. Timo Gryzan (duisport) demonstrated how cracks in crane structures can be detected, monitored, and documented early with Villari sensors to trigger timely maintenance.

The 12th edition of the event took place on 10–11 September 2025 at EUROGATE in Bremerhaven. Jan Wienbeck, Holger Lapuse, and Malte Gerber presented the facilities, guided participants through the port, and introduced the new “Rail Gate Bremerhaven” rail terminal and its remote-control station.

Alongside the professional program, there was also time for bilateral exchanges and impressive views of the port facilities. The highly positive feedback once again underlines the success of the format – preparations for 2026 are already underway, noted Uwe Sondermann, Managing Director of KombiConsult GmbH.