EUROGATE and Swiss autonomous driving specialist Embotech have completed a six-month pilot project testing autonomous terminal tractor operations at the EUROGATE Container Terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, the companies said, after all 18 predefined operational use cases were successfully validated.
The trial, carried out with terminal tractor manufacturer MAFI and technology integrator ICT Group, covered the full horizontal transport cycle of containers in an active port environment, including both landside and waterside movements. The partners said the results confirm the system’s readiness for continuous deployment in container terminal operations.
See also: Westwell Delivers Second Batch of Autonomous Q-Trucks to Port of Felixstowe
According to the companies, the autonomous tractor achieved “centimeter-level precision” during demanding tasks such as reverse driving and quay crane positioning. The system also operated without reliance on GPS, using alternative localization methods to function in so-called “satellite-denied areas,” a key requirement for port environments.
The trial demonstrated safe interaction with rail cranes, navigation in mixed traffic with conventional vehicles and personnel, and consistent operation under varying weather conditions. Integration between Embotech’s Fleet Management System and the terminal’s Equipment Control System gateway to the terminal operating system was also validated, allowing for fully automated dispatch and execution.
See also: Yamato Transport, MFTBC, and TIER IV to Test Level 4 Autonomous Trucks in Japan
Henrik Landau, project manager at EUROGATE, said the pilot confirmed that the autonomous solution could be integrated into existing terminal operations and IT infrastructure while meeting safety and performance requirements. Niklas Thomas, head of business development at Embotech, said the trial showed the company’s Autonomous Tractor Solution could serve as the primary horizontal transport system for both landside and waterside container handling.
Embotech’s technology uses real-time trajectory planning instead of fixed routes, enabling dynamic maneuvering in complex and constantly changing terminal environments. Once deployed, operations can run without manual intervention.
See also: WattHub Opens High-Power Charging Hub for Heavy-Duty EVs at Port of Rotterdam
EUROGATE operates container terminals in five countries across Europe and provides logistics, maintenance and packaging services. Embotech has focused on autonomous driving solutions for industrial logistics since 2013, including vehicle marshalling in automotive plants and terminal tractors at ports and logistics hubs.
