At the TECHRITORY Conference in Riga, Latvia on 22 October, Antonia Kuntze of Flotte Hamburg outlined how the Port of Hamburg is embracing digital innovation to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Her presentation highlighted the practical application of drones, AI, and digital twins in port operations.
Kuntze emphasised that drones are not meant to replace human workers but to relieve them from routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on higher-value activities. The port employs flying drones for visual inspections of bridges and other hard-to-reach infrastructure, as well as on-water drones that collect data in shallow areas where larger vessels cannot operate.
One notable innovation is the “Spot” robotic dog, which inspects bridge structures, scans for cracks, and feeds data into digital twin models for predictive maintenance planning.
Digital twins, a virtual representation of real-world infrastructure, allow port operators to simulate scenarios, such as maintenance timing or structural stress, before making real-world interventions. Kuntze explained that these tools help optimise the lifespan of critical infrastructure, including Hamburg’s largest bridges, and support planning for reconstruction projects.
The port has also centralised its drone operations in a dedicated hub, providing a control room and landing platform for drones operated by Flotte Hamburg, the police, firefighters, and other authorities. This setup opens the door to potential “drone as a service” models, offering drone capabilities to external organisations.
Kuntze noted that digital innovation also supports predictive maintenance. By equipping vessels with sensors and real-time monitoring systems, the port can reduce manual checks, streamline maintenance scheduling, and improve operational efficiency. She stressed that collaboration across authorities and companies is essential to tackle challenges such as cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and AI training.
Through these initiatives, Flotte Hamburg demonstrates how combining drones, AI, and digital twins can make port operations safer, more efficient, and sustainable, illustrating a roadmap for other European ports seeking to embrace digital transformation.
Earlier this summer, the Port of Hamburg announced a €1.1 billion ($1.29 billion) investment to enhance the Elbe approach to the Waltershofer Hafen and develop additional terminal yards.
