As technology advances and customers come to expect more efficient and sustainable transport options, Europe’s shipping companies and maritime facilities are presented with the challenge of improving their systems to stay ahead of the curve (and the competition).

Here’s how some of Europe’s biggest operators and ports are leveraging advanced technology to meet this rising demand.

Stena Line maximises efficiency with new unaccompanied check-in facilities

Stena Line has recently introduced the new SmartGate: Self service system, which aims to revolutionise unaccompanied check-in through the port’s new SmartGate technology.

Available in Belfast, Dublin, Gothenburg, Holyhead and Karlskrona; the flexible Stena Line SmartGate system now provides three options for driver registration:

1. Drivers can pre-register with all the relevant information online and confirm these details at the port kiosk upon arrival
2. Drivers can pre-register all the relevant information via the Driver app and confirm these details at the SmartGate kiosk upon arrival
3. Drivers can register all the relevant information at the SmartGate kiosk upon arrival

Meanwhile, the Driver app allows drivers to receive up-to-date sailing information, see their estimated 'ready for pick-up' time, and eliminates the need to wait in the check-in point lane.

“SmartGate is a self-service system for simpler planning, efficient check in and quicker processing. Creating easier workflow between administration and driver.”

- Stena Line Freight

Read more about Stena Line’s SmartGate solution on the Stena Line Freight website

LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) invests £68 million in additional security protocols

In the coming years, Third-Country Nationals (who make up 10% of all drivers using LeShuttle’s service) will need to provide additional biometric data when entering and exiting the EU. These new requirements, such as fingerprint scans and travel document information, come as the new EU Entry/Exit system (or EES) is introduced.

To ensure that their facilities are ready to meet these additional security requirements with minimal disruption to supply chains, LeShuttle has invested €80 million (more than 68 million GBP) to create a successful border system.

This includes building biometric kiosks at their Coquelles (Calais) and Folkestone terminals, EES control bays and additional signage.

Learn more about Eurotunnel’s significant EES investment. To find out more about EES, visit our guide for hauliers.

The Port of Rotterdam to create a “large-scale hydrogen complex”

In order to improve its environmental impact, the Port of Rotterdam has announced its goal to be carbon-neutral by the year 2050.

To achieve this goal, the Port has assigned significant financial and resource investment into multiple sustainability initiatives - including using technology to improve port efficiency, supporting sustainable businesses and investing in renewable energy sources such as hydrogen).

“The Port Authority is working with various partners towards the introduction of a large-scale hydrogen network across the port complex, making Rotterdam an international hub for hydrogen production, import, application and transport to other countries in Northwest Europe. The hub will also enable Rotterdam to maintain its position as an important energy port for Northwest Europe in the future.”

- Port of Rotterdam Official Statement

Learn more about the Port of Rotterdam’s plans to create Europe’s Hydrogen Hub.

Rosslare Europort improves freight check-in with ‘Master Plan’

On the 30th of August 2024 Rosslare Europort introduced their new freight check-in area to allow for more efficient port security.

With damage recording systems, weight-in-motion technology, registration plate recording and more, the new freight check-in area brings plenty of innovations to the port. The new/upgraded facilities also come as part of the port’s Master Plan.

“The plan will see significant investment in the infrastructure of the port and allow for expansion in the current key areas of RoRo freight and passenger transport.

“The masterplan will also be providing the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the impending border inspection requirements while also creating increased capacity to provide the perfect platform to capitalise on new business opportunities becoming available to the port.”

Learn more about Rosslare Europort’s Master Plan. 

The Port of Immingham to receive £200+ million in funding for new ferry terminal 

Associated British Ports (ABP) and Stena Line have recently announced that they will be investing more than 200 million GBP in the development of a new RoRo ferry terminal.

The Port of Immingham's new terminal will be operated by Stena Line for the next 50 years, as agreed between Stena Line and ABP in 2022, and provides an opportunity for Stena Line to increase their operations between the UK and Mainland Europe. 

Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line CEO, states:

“This is a long-term commitment for us and will be integral to expanding our freight operations on our routes between the UK and Continental Europe to serve demand. Coupled with Stena’s recent acquisition of NTEX, we’re looking forward to this development expanding our business and strengthening our position in the North-East England market.”

P&O Ferries announce Fastgate launch at The Port of Zeebrugge 

To streamline port operations for the benefit of the port and drivers, P&O Ferries are introducing their successful Fastgate system to the Port of Zeebrugge. 

According to the official P&O Ferries announcement:

“This innovative design, building upon our Terminal Operating System (TOS) improvements in Zeebrugge, is set to transform gate processes for operational excellence with significantly faster processing times and a more efficient experience at the terminal consignments without delay.”

The Fastgate system will introduce several new innovations to the port, including a self-service kiosk with multilingual user interface, an automated barrier system and 360-degree vehicle capture.

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