EUROGATE and Embotech have begun a six-month pilot of Level-4 autonomous terminal tractors at the EUROGATE marine terminal in Hamburg. The project launched in late January 2026 and follows a prior technical feasibility pilot at EUROGATE Wilhelmshaven. This second phase shifts focus from technical validation to operational performance measurement.
Highlights
- EUROGATE and Embotech launched a second autonomous terminal tractor pilot at the Hamburg marine terminal, focusing on operational KPIs rather than technical feasibility.
- Autonomous tractors will transport containers between the railway terminal and container terminal via straddle carrier interchange zones.
- Automated tractor-trailer coupling by AUCOS eliminates manual intervention for air, power, and data connections through the kingpin.
- The pilot operates in mixed traffic, with autonomous tractors sharing lanes with manually driven terminal vehicles.
From Feasibility to Operational Metrics
The Wilhelmshaven pilot validated the technical maturity of Embotech’s Autonomous Tractor Solution (ATS) across landside and waterside operations. In contrast, the Hamburg pilot measures throughput, availability, and process stability under daily terminal conditions.
The autonomous terminal tractors will carry out container transport moves between the railway terminal and the container terminal. These moves pass through straddle carrier interchange zones, covering a key segment of horizontal container movement.
Johannes Stelten, Managing Director of EUROGATE Container Terminal Hamburg, said the Wilhelmshaven pilot confirmed the technical capabilities of autonomous tractors. As a result, Hamburg now provides an environment to measure how autonomy performs against operational KPIs within commercial processes.
Automated Coupling Advances Terminal Efficiency
A notable technical addition in this pilot is automated tractor-trailer coupling. The system, supplied by AUCOS, uses the AUCOS Coup platform to connect air, power, and data through the kingpin. Consequently, tractor-trailer coupling requires no manual intervention.
The AUCOS system integrates with Embotech’s AV Kit. Together, they enable precise reverse maneuvers and trailer buffering in both the railway terminal and straddle carrier interchange zones. This capability supports operational efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
Mixed-Traffic Operations Test Real-World Viability
The Hamburg pilot places autonomous tractors in mixed traffic alongside manually driven terminal vehicles. Additionally, the tractors work near active straddle carrier processes. Embotech’s ATS plans trajectories in real time, adapting to dynamic interactions throughout terminal operations.
Niklas Thomas, Head of Business Development at Embotech, noted the pilot allows evaluation against operational and commercial benchmarks. He emphasized this work is conducted in close cooperation with EUROGATE and project partners.
Stepwise Path Toward Terminal Autonomy
The project illustrates a phased approach to autonomous logistics deployment. It progresses from technical feasibility and certification to operational evaluation in a live environment. Furthermore, the mixed-traffic setting reflects conditions that terminal operators face daily.
About EUROGATE
EUROGATE operates container terminals across five countries. Its core competencies include transportation, maintenance, and packaging within European trade and logistics infrastructure.
About Embotech
Embotech is a Swiss company specializing in safety-certified Level-4 autonomous driving for industrial logistics. It holds multiple TÜV-certified Level-4 solutions with two independently validated systems. Its Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) and Autonomous Tractor Solution (ATS) serve automotive factories, vehicle distribution centers, ports, and logistics yards. For more information, visit embotech.com.
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