PortConnect - Platform for Optimized Resource Planning, Transformation and Connection

Project Background

Port workers are essential to productivity, service quality, and competitiveness at the Port of Hamburg. Efficient staffing prevents delays, additional costs, and emissions; forward-looking planning also makes it easier for employees to plan their schedules. The Gesamthafenbetriebs-Gesellschaft (GHB) plays a key role in this as the staffing provider for the individual port operators, specifically the individual terminals. Together with terminal operators, researchers, and IT partners, a consortium is investigating how digitalization, artificial intelligence, and optimization methods can improve planning. The focus is on which factors influence staffing needs, what data quality is necessary for reliable forecasts, and the acceptance of algorithmic decisions.

Project Objectives

The goal of the project is to develop a prototype platform for networked and intelligent workforce scheduling in the port. This platform is intended to map the entire process chain—from digital staffing requests and AI-supported planning to transparent shift information and flexible shift swapping via an app. This is expected to increase cargo handling capacity, reduce emissions, and improve working conditions. In the long term, this will create a foundation for sustainable, efficient workforce management in the port industry.

Project Overview

1. Design of an AI-based forecasting model for daily staffing requirements and integrated demand planning at the port.
2. Development of an API-driven digital staffing system to ensure transparency and efficient communication between port operators and GHB.
3. Design of an AI-supported staffing allocation system that utilizes optimization, simulation, and scenario comparison for precise workforce planning.
4. Implementation of the digital shift marketplace to ensure transparency, independent shift swapping, and active employee participation.
5. Presentation in the form of a data dashboard that provides evaluations, reports, and long-term analyses of planned and actual data.

Fraunhofer CML Tasks 

The CML works on the analysis of data sources and influencing factors, the design of mathematical and computational models, and their subsequent implementation and verification, particularly in the areas of demand forecasting and staffing. 

Project Partners

Project partners include the Gesamthafenbetriebs-Gesellschaft m.b.H., Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft AG (HHLA), EUROGATE GmbH & Co. KGaA, KG, and p.l.i. solutions GmbH. Additionally, Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center GmbH (HVCC), the United Services Union (Ver.di), and the Hamburg Port Business Association (UVHH) are participating as associated partners.

Funding and Project Duration

PortConnect is funded by the IHATEC II program of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport. The project will run from December 2025 to May 2028.