Fraunhofer Institute for Factory OperationDigitalization can help ports and shippers cut costs and organize operations even more efficiently. Research organization, businesses and ports from six European countries are working on jointly developing plans by 2021 for implementing state-of-the-art digital technologies in port infrastructures.
PortForward: Digitalizing European Ports
Research and Development in International Business Development
Under the lead management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF in Magdeburg, thirteen partners from Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Great Britain and Norway are developing new plans for using digital solutions to organize the operation of small and medium-sized ports more intelligently, connectedly and greenly. Five European ports are involved in the PortForward project. The new solutions are being developed and tested at their facilities. The poject running until 2021 is being funded with € 5 million with from the European research and innovation program Horizon 2020.
The Fraunhofer IFF Is Contributing Its Expertise in Digitalization
In this project, the Fraunhofer IFF is collaborating closely with Transportwerk Magdeburger Hafen GmbH, the operator of the Port of Magdeburg. As the sole inland port in the research network, the Port of Magdeburg plays a special role. Digital solutions will be developed with it, which will primarily support warehousing and logistics on the port premises. The Fraunhofer IFF is primarily contributing its expertise in digital connectivity, sensor systems and the Internet of Things to industrial applications.
Project period: July 1, 2018 – December 31, 2021
Project number: 769267