Welcome back to the we.digitize blog! Here we regularly inform you about current developments and provide insights into exciting topics relating to our company and the industry. In this article, we are pleased to introduce you to our collaboration with Duisburger Hafen AG - also known as duisport, the operator of the world's largest inland port. We will also give you an initial insight into our work to date.
Cooperation - we.digitize and duisport
Our partnership with duisport is an important step towards sustainable mobility. Together, we are bringing e-mobility to the Port of Duisburg and creating new charging options with our innovative charging infrastructure. Our power rail concept allows us to expand the charging infrastructure flexibly and efficiently. In this way, we are laying the foundations for emission-free mobility for employees at the Port of Duisburg. We are proud to make a contribution together with duisport at one of the most important logistics locations in the world. This cooperation stands for a common goal: the promotion of a sustainable future.
First milestone - migration of the charging points
The first milestone of our collaboration was the takeover of the operation of the existing 45 charging points at the Port of Duisburg. The migration was completed on November 1, 2024. The management of the charging points switched from duisport to us, with the same backend system still being used, but now under our name. At the same time, we started building additional charging points. For the new charging points, we are using the twin charging stations from Mennekes (AMTRON® Professional Twincharge). These are flexibly mounted on our Adapt Boxes and enable a faster and more efficient energy supply. In addition, we have already integrated eleven migratable charging points into the eCarUp system at the beginning of January this year.
The old Innogy charging stations that are not OCPP-capable remain integrated in the previous backend system (vaylens). We have migrated the OCPP-capable wallboxes, such as the Compleo eBox, to the eCarUp backend. This system offers the option of storing different tariffs for user groups. This is an important prerequisite, as it allows duisport to offer its own employees attractive charging conditions.
Charging stations at the port of Duisburg
Our project is picking up speed and progress is clearly visible. The construction work to build the new charging infrastructure using our busbars is already halfway complete. Specifically, we have installed three separate systems at the port's main hub:
- Board carport: 6 parking spaces
- Carport side area: 5 parking spaces
- Employee parking lot: 21 parking spaces
The busbar supports are installed and the connection cables are laid. The next step was to install the busbars and the busbar cover as well as the junction boxes. The charging boxes were then installed and put into operation.
Why we.digitize?
Behind every step we take is a conscious decision. Our expertise in the two systems eCarUp and vaylens allows us to find the best solutions for our customers' requirements. We understand the advantages and challenges of both systems and use them in a targeted manner to ensure an efficient and sustainable solution.
The long-term goal is to bundle all charging points in a common backend again. Until then, however, the current solution with two separate systems works perfectly. There is no additional burden for duisport, as we provide them with support for every change. We therefore act as an intermediary between duisport and the technical infrastructure.
For us, the parallel operation of two systems means intensive monitoring of both backends as well as comprehensive know-how in both platforms. In addition, we take over communication with the respective software manufacturers in the event of any problems. We also merge the reports so that duisport continues to receive uniform and clear evaluations. This all runs in the background so that the effort for duisport itself remains minimal.
We were also able to develop flexible and efficient solutions for the technical implementation of new charging points. For the parking spaces on the opposite side of the site, the originally planned U-shaped conductor rail system was not ideal due to the space and cost involved. Thanks to our flexible structures and good relationship with our suppliers, we were able to implement a much smarter alternative. We designed a straight track with alternating outlets, which was adapted with an appropriately modified cover. The result is a lean, cost-efficient solution that will also benefit future customers.
As part of the implementation, we took on the civil engineering work, including laying cables up to the sub-distribution boards. In addition, a lamppost was relocated and an existing double charging station was dismantled, which will soon be put back into operation elsewhere. In total, around 70 meters of new conductor rail were laid.
Working together for a sustainable future
The cooperation with duisport shows how important partnerships are for the implementation of innovative projects.
We are looking forward to the upcoming milestones and will keep you up to date on the progress here on our blog. Together with duisport, we are shaping the future of mobility - sustainably, innovatively and purposefully.
You can gain further insights into our projects on our social media channels Instagram and LinkedIn .
Stay tuned!