Cross-linked networking of individual transport modes across the maritime supply chain, simultaneous supply of information for innovative applications and optimization of the flow of merchandise: that is the goal of the MISSION project which Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft, the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services and Lufthansa Industry Solutions have initiated as members of a consortium.
Lübeck, 25th January 2017 – What is the quickest route for my goods? When will the container arrive at the transshipment point? Are there any deviations from schedule? Frequently, these questions cannot be answered at a single glance at hubs such as the port. That’s because individual transport operators in the maritime supply chain are frequently not networked with each other, the simultaneous provision and use of information for innovative applications does not exist in practice. That’s what Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft aims to change as Head of the consortium established along with Lufthansa Industry Solutions and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and other partners in the fall of 2016.
Facilitating data exchange: an information system for all
The MISSION research project – “Manage Information Seamlessly in Ports and Hinterlands” - is aimed at improving data exchange throughout logistics chains across transportation players and thus optimizing traffic flows and handling capacities. The goal is to provide all logistics companies and shippers at the central port hub access to an information system that permits the optimization of trade flows as a function of time, source and destination by evaluating a number of potential transport solutions. The new system will provide users a quotation for their cargo that spans transport operators, with detailed route information and a financial estimate of the costs involved. The new information and communications management system thus helps make the transportation of goods and passengers more efficient by enhancing the full use of existing traffic infrastructure, cutting down on costs.
“With our research project, we are driving digitalization in the global maritime transport sector”, says Tom Patrik Österreich, Head of Department Information Technology and Organization of the Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft. “That’s the only way to increase handling capacities at the port terminal, improve traffic flow and strengthen the key role that German sea and inland ports play in the German economy as a whole on a sustained basis.”
The consortium has already applied to the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure for grants for the MISSION project in the area of Innovative Port Technologies (German: Innovative Hafentechnologien – IHATEC). The Ministry will decide on grant applications in the first half of 2017.
About Lufthansa Industry Solutions
Lufthansa Industry Solutions is a service provider for IT consulting and system integration. This Lufthansa subsidiary helps its clients with the digital transformation of their companies. Its customer base includes companies both within and outside the Lufthansa Group, as well as more than 200 companies in various lines of business. The company is based in Norderstedt and employs more than 1,200 members of staff at several branch offices in Germany, Switzerland and the USA.