HHLA Next and FERNRIDE
Pilot project at the HHLA TK Estonia container terminal in Tallinn, Estonia
HHLA Next is providing the new portfolio company with access to subsidiaries in the HHLA Group. A pilot project will start in early 2023 at the HHLA TK Estonia terminal in Tallinn – the first FERNRIDE project at a container terminal. The goal of the project is to determine the technology’s operational reliability in automated container handling and to validate the technology’s viability for future business opportunities.
https://hhla.de/en/media/news/detail-view/hhla-next-invests-in-fernride-pilot-project-in-tallinn
Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International: “This partnership with FERNRIDE as part of the pilot project in Tallinn will help us to jointly explore new opportunities and to create workflows at our international terminals that are future-oriented and sustainable. We look forward to our collaboration with FERNRIDE and hope this project will be the beginning of a long partnership.”
Martin Isik, CCO FERNRIDE: “With our joint project during ongoing, live operations, we are creating the basis for series development and the adaptation of our solution to container logistics. We will use our gradual automation approach to demonstrate the high value proposition of the FERNRIDE platform for customers at container terminals. Thanks to HHLA International, we have also found the ideal partner for rapid scaling in the European region.”
The technology start-up FERNRIDE, which has approximately 100 employees, equips trucks and tractor units with sensors and cameras so that they can be remote-controlled via mobile networks. Teleoperators at a computer workstation that resembles a vehicle cockpit take remote control of the vehicles. The teleoperator receives and sends targeted commands in real time by controlling the gas pedal, brakes, steering wheel and joystick. FERNRIDE’s algorithms can be further trained using data from the real-life operation in order to roll out additional autonomous functions.
Truck drivers can be more flexibly deployed through the use of this new technology, which has a positive impact on operating procedures. In addition, the option to work remotely increases both the attractiveness of the job profile and safety on the respective premises.