Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA)’s innovation unit HHLA Next has launched its first spin-off, heyport, designed to improve communication and coordination of port calls.
Heyport synchronises the planning details of all participants in real time and uses a one-stop-shop design that gives operation decision makers the information they need at the right time, right place according to HHLA.
Angela Titzrath, chairwoman of HHLA’s executive board, said: “We see innovation and technical excellence as crucial elements in developing sustainable solutions, being environmentally responsible and operating successfully in line with our self-image as the gateway to the future.
“Through HHLA Next, we are thus investing in innovative businesses like heyport at an early stage, and our aim is to take advantage of the potential in shaping a sustainable future for our industry – both under our own strength and by interconnecting with other operators in the logistics sector.”
The berth and ship planning details contained in the heyport platform will be beneficial when changes are needed to be made at short notice.
HHLA has been working on a strategy focused on growth and strengthening the future viability for five years now and, as part of this, a range of different projects, particularly digital ones, have already been developed.
A year ago, HHLA Next was set up as an innovation unit within the HHLA Group with the aim to advance this process even more thoroughly.
HHLA Next establishes its own companies with innovative business models or invests in innovative companies in the market.
Simone Lode, managing director of HHLA Next, said: “When companies work with us, we provide them the conditions for future growth.
“In addition to providing capital, this is above all an extensive network, deep industry knowledge and contacts to international customers.”
The corporate venture capital company pursues the ‘Build – Partner – Invest’ approach, meaning ideas are developed into new products and business models either under the company’s own strength or together with partners.
“When we invest in companies, we do not aim for short-term profit maximisation, but for long-term strategic partnerships,” Lode added.
In recent months, existing HHLA Next start-ups and companies within the HHLA Group have been pooled in HHLA Next’s portfolio to create synergies and ensure knowledge transfer.
These include, for example, the start-up mobility, a digital placement portal for intermodal transport, iSAM AG, a specialist in process automation, and HHLA Sky, the developer of the first globally scalable drone system.
