3rd meeting of the AGORA-group 2025 in Graz

On 29 Oktober 2025, the AGORA Terminal Interest Group met for its third workshop in 2025 at the invitation of Cargo Terminal Graz (CTG). The workshop was opened with a welcome by Mr. Kiss. After a round of introductions, the focus was on current developments, new members and future topics for intermodal terminal operators.

The detailed travel report by our new retiree Antje Falk provided a special and cheerful start to the event. To mark her departure in the summer of 2025, the AGORA Group had given her a travel voucher for a trip on a combined transport train over the Brenner Pass – she now shared her experiences of this trip with great humour and enthusiasm.

Another highlight was the presentation of the new AGORA member Contargo, which will actively contribute its experience as a terminal network operator and its perspectives to the work of the group in the future.

The topic block was supplemented by several ad-hoc surveys that addressed practical issues relating to terminal operations. Among other things, solutions for preventing lifting of truck chassis and wagons were discussed. The current development status of an anti-lift-System from Hilgers and Polarith, which is currently being tested in Cologne, was presented by DUSS. In addition, questions about waste permits, dangerous goods checks at road exits and trailer interim storage were discussed. The aim of these surveys is to gather experience, discuss issues together and learn from each other.

Later in the workshop, CTG presented its current expansion measures with a focus on crane automation and OCR gates. The new crane module features semi-automated cranes with remote control operation, which already enable automated transhipment processes in the storage stack. Another key topic was the classification and definition of automation levels in terminal operations. This was followed by an intensive discussion of the joint AGORA paper on the definition of ‘automation’ from the user’s perspective, which will be published shortly.
The first day of the workshop was rounded off with a visit tour of the CTG terminal, where the solutions presented could be experienced first-hand.

After culinary refreshments in the hotel restaurant, the evening concluded with a convivial gathering at the bar. This resulted in an AI-generated comic image,that humorously captured the group’s positive mood and provided much amusement.

On the second day of the workshop, Dennis Majewski from CTH Herne presented his new AI-based automation project for truck gate-out and once again impressed the AGORA members with his cost-effective and agile approach. Paul Kronenberger then presented the current development status of proactive damage detection at OCR gates at the CFL terminal in Dudelange.

Finally, Uwe Sondermann summarised the year 2025. Together, the group also approved the budget for 2026. The workshop once again confirmed the importance of AGORA as a European platform for exchange, practical knowledge and joint further development in intermodal terminal operations.