EUROGATE Taps ICT Logistics for Vendor-Neutral Terminal Automation

EUROGATE selects open automation architecture

European container terminal operator EUROGATE has formed a strategic partnership with ICT Logistics to deploy a next-generation equipment control system across its German facilities. The collaboration centers on ICT's SmartECS platform, which will manage automated terminal equipment from multiple manufacturers within a vendor-neutral framework.

The system will integrate with EUROGATE's existing Terminal Operating System and its proprietary operateMyBox scheduler, creating a unified control layer for terminal automation. According to Container News, which first reported the partnership, SmartECS will coordinate ship-to-shore cranes, automated stacking cranes, and automated terminal trucks.

Why it matters

Terminal automation has historically locked operators into single-vendor ecosystems, limiting flexibility and driving up costs. EUROGATE's vendor-independent approach signals a strategic shift toward interoperable systems that can incorporate equipment from different suppliers—potentially reducing integration risk and creating more competitive procurement options as automation scales across the maritime industry.

Autonomous trucks central to deployment

Automated terminal trucks represent a key component of the implementation. EUROGATE and ICT Logistics plan to use these vehicles for autonomous horizontal container transport operations at EUROGATE's German terminals. The SmartECS platform will serve as the central orchestration layer, harmonizing communication between different equipment types and managing the flow of containers across the terminal yard.

JP Broekgaarden, Business Development Executive at ICT Logistics, said SmartECS "enables innovation between equipment suppliers and terminal operators by providing a robust, vendor-independent bridge between automated equipment and the Terminal Operating System."

Platform built on industry standards

ICT Logistics will manage the complete SmartECS product lifecycle, including requirements definition, system architecture, development, testing, and ongoing maintenance. The platform runs on Kubernetes infrastructure and uses industry-standard interfaces based on TIC4.0 and MQTT protocols. When necessary, the system can translate supplier-specific protocols to maintain interoperability.

The platform's modular architecture consists of core components that can be expanded with customer-specific functions, allowing EUROGATE to adapt the system as operational requirements evolve.

Operational and technical collaboration

Michael Blach, Chairman of EUROGATE's Group Management Board, characterized the partnership as reflecting "our long-term commitment to open and scalable terminal technology." Joseph Collins, Group Head of Automation at EUROGATE, emphasized that successful terminal automation requires "close coordination between operations, automation systems and software platforms."

Collins noted that ICT Logistics' collaborative approach with EUROGATE's Automation and IT teams "helps reduce integration complexity and supports scalable, vendor-independent operations."

Karim Henkens, CEO of ICT Group, said the cooperation "demonstrates how deep domain expertise and advanced software engineering can help terminal operators achieve reliable, future-ready operations."

The partnership details were first reported by Container News.