AGORA Meets in Strasbourg: Cybersecurity, Digitalisation and Reducing Bureaucracy Among Key Topics

On 14 and 15 October 2026, members of the European terminal platform AGORA gathered in Strasbourg for their third workshop of the year. The event was jointly hosted by Rhine Europe Terminals (RET) and Ports de Strasbourg. The two-day meeting focused on current regulatory requirements, technological developments and the exchange of practical experience in intermodal terminal operations.

One of the main topics of the workshop was the challenges arising from new legal and regulatory requirements. The results of an AGORA member survey on NIS2 and critical infrastructure (KRITIS) provided the basis for an in-depth exchange on cybersecurity and the resilience of terminal facilities. Participants also discussed the European Machinery Directive and the new Machinery Regulation, as well as regulatory requirements concerning designated officers responsible for areas such as emissions control, major accident prevention and waste management.

Another key topic was the digitalisation of terminal processes. Based on an AGORA member survey on OCR gate solutions, participants discussed the current use of automated recognition systems at road and rail gates, their functionalities and the experiences gained by terminal operators so far. The results showed that automated identification of loading units is already widely established, while automated damage detection in particular still offers potential for further development.

The workshop also addressed reducing bureaucracy in combined transport. Drawing on practical examples, participants discussed the increasing administrative burden, lengthy approval procedures and their impact on investments and the further development of intermodal terminals. The challenging situation regarding public funding for combined transport was also addressed.

Beyond these technical and regulatory topics, the workshop once again provided an opportunity for direct exchanges between terminal operators on operational safety, handling equipment and measures to deal with extreme weather conditions.

A particular highlight was the presentation of Ports de Strasbourg and Rhine Europe Terminals, followed by a harbour and terminal tour by boat, offering participants insights into trimodal handling operations along the Upper Rhine.

The Strasbourg meeting marked the conclusion of AGORA’s workshop programme for 2026. In 2027, the platform will continue to promote cross-border knowledge-sharing and the exchange of experience among European terminal operators.
Special thanks go to Rhine Europe Terminals and Ports de Strasbourg for their warm hospitality and the organisation of the visit, as well as to all participants for their open and constructive discussions.