Kotka, Finland – February 11-12, 2024: The ADMIRAL Consortium convened in Kotka for its fifth in-person meeting, bringing together industry leaders and project partners to drive forward the mission of sustainable logistics. Over two days, participants engaged in insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and hands-on demonstrations to advance innovations in emissions reduction across the transport sector.
Day 1: Strategic Discussions and Industry Collaboration
The first day of the meeting set the stage for meaningful dialogue and strategic planning. Hosted by VTT and Steveco Oy’s CEO, the event began with a comprehensive project update, followed by key discussions on sustainable development in logistics. Business models supporting greener transport solutions were explored, alongside an in-depth session on project communication and stakeholder engagement.
Key Takeaways from Day 1:
✔️ Opening session featuring industry leaders from VTT and Steveco Oy.
✔️ Project progress updates and future roadmaps.
✔️ Deep dive into sustainability in logistics and transport.
✔️ Business model exploration for sustainable transport solutions.
✔️ Insights on communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.
✔️ General Assembly meeting to align project governance.
✔️ Team-building and networking activities to foster collaboration.
Day 2: Innovation in Action and Real-World Applications
The second day of the meeting focused on practical applications, with each of the four ADMIRAL pilot projects presenting updates on their technical progress, hypothesis testing, and ongoing challenges. Data reliability and availability were key discussion points, with partners collaborating to develop effective solutions.
Pilot Updates
Finnish Pilot
Finnish pilot activities have so far focused on testing a simulation model for basic order placement in the port of HaminaKotka to identify how terminal operations can be optimized and thus CO2e emissions reduced. Future activities include integration of AI features in the warehouse work planning system that is used daily by warehouse foremen in the port.
Simulation data on cargo handling as well as terminal operations data are used to drive the development of the AI tool for cargo unloading operations. Real-world testing of the AI-based planning tool is planned to commence later this year.
Slovenian-Croatian Pilot
Slovenian-Croatian pilot activities focused on developing a logistics optimization tool for postal services including CO2e emissions calculation, CO2e emissions reporting data, CO2e emission prediction and the integration of a custom logistics AI tool.
Different CO2e emissions calculation approaches and data sources have been tested and compared in terms of measurement accuracy, also taking into account factors such as road elevation. For last-mile delivery, different trajectories for the delivery vehicle have been simulated to obtain information on according energy consumption.
Lithuanian Pilot
Lithuanian pilot activities have been mainly dedicated to the development of a Transport Scheduling Tool, and identifying a suitable CO2e emissions calculation methodology and data sources for road transport.
Regarding the Transport Scheduling Tool, an automated tool for planning truck arrival (ETA) has been tested to reduce truck idling time and thereby potentially reduce CO2e emissions. Another focus was on analyzing different market approaches to CO2e calculation, whereby eCMR data has been identified and tested as a promising data source. For the calculator, eCMR data has been complemented by modelled data on fuel consumption.
Portugal-Spain Pilot
Portuguese-Spanish Pilot activities addressed building a catalogue of low-emission services for logistics operations between Sines (PT) and Madrid (ESP), bringing together the logistics stakeholder community in this corridor for increased collaboration, and promoting a modal shift from road to rail freight transport between Sines and Madrid.
To identify the potential for reducing emissions, a traffic analysis including information on available infrastructure and cargo volumes was conducted. Special attention was also given to understanding stakeholder needs through first-hand insights.
Markeplace
A highlight of the day was the demonstration of the ADMIRAL marketplace, showcasing its latest user interface, features, and functionalities. Although still in development, the platform is already proving to be a game-changer in transforming the logistics sector.
Key Highlights from Day 2:
✔️ Presentations on the progress of the four ADMIRAL pilot projects.
✔️ Hands-on demonstration of the ADMIRAL marketplace and its functionalities.
✔️ Visit to the Kotka Maritime Centre, featuring immersive simulators for seafaring, port operations, and logistics.
The meeting wrapped up with a renewed commitment from all partners to continue driving forward sustainable logistics. A special thanks goes to our Finnish partners for their exceptional hospitality and event organization.
Looking Ahead
The insights and outcomes from this meeting mark another crucial milestone in the ADMIRAL project. As the consortium moves forward, these discussions and collaborations will shape the next phase of development, reinforcing the commitment to a greener, more efficient logistics sector.
