REGIONAL REPORT
remain available for cargo operations, and mistakes made by inexperienced operators can create safety risks or operational disruptions.” Simulation-based training helps address these challenges by separating operator development from live terminal operations. Operators can practice equipment handling, container placement and operational procedures in a simulated environment before transitioning to real equipment. “Because this training doesn’t interrupt live cargo operations, terminals can continue normal cargo-handling activity while developing their workforce.”
Many European ports are brownfield sites and suffer from space restrictions.
operators progressed towards more advanced responsibilities. The results included measurable improvements in crane operating quality and overall productivity, while reducing the need to take live equipment offline for training. “These examples reflect how ports are
increasingly using simulation-based training systems not only to train new operators, but also to develop their existing workforce and expand their pool of highly capable equipment operators,” says Van de Kletersteeg. It also allows instructors to introduce
complex or high-risk scenarios that would be difficult to reproduce safely in live operations. “Trainees can practice responding to equipment malfunctions, unstable loads or adverse operating conditions in a controlled environment,” he adds. “This scenario-based training helps operators build confidence and develop the decision-making skills required for real terminal operations.”
Another important benefit is the ability to maintain consistent training standards. “With a structured training curriculum and centralised training management tools, ports can ensure that operators complete standardised exercises and meet clearly defined performance metrics. “For many European terminals, simulation- based training systems play an important role in supporting consistent and scalable operator development while maintaining high safety and operational standards.” An added bonus of upskilling workers can be a boost to productivity. “Even modest improvements in crane cycle times can significantly affect terminal throughput,” says Van de Kletersteeg. “For example, improving crane cycle time by just a few moves per hour can translate into dozens of additional container moves during a shift, creating measurable operational gains.”
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Restricted space A common challenge for European ports and terminals is space restrictions. “Many European ports and terminals are brownfield environments,” says BVS. “Operators are often modernising existing infrastructure rather than building entirely new terminals. That means equipment suppliers must adapt to space constraints, legacy systems, existing rail layouts, civil limitations and strict installation windows. Industry discussions around terminal automation also consistently highlight that brownfield upgrades are more complex than greenfield automation.” Hyster adds, “Space constraints further complicate matters. Breakbulk operations often deploy trucks into tight spaces, even into a vessel’s hull. Containerised yards, while laid out with defined aisles, may still demand compact-wheelbase variants of big trucks for operational clearance. Configurations that offer high capacity and height in smaller footprints are increasingly valued.” Another regional challenge is noise emissions. “For inland terminals or those near cities, backup alarms and container landings generate disruptive levels of sound, prompting operators in many parts of the world to explore alternatives such as white-noise backup alarms, which are still audible to pedestrians but are less intrusive to neighbouring residents,” says Hyster. “Soft landing spreader features use sensors to automatically slow descent as the spreader nears a container, minimising the sound of metal-on- metal contact.” CM Labs notes that many European terminals handle high cargo volumes within limited physical space, placing significant pressure on equipment utilisation and operator performance. “In this environment, training new operators
directly on live equipment can be challenging,” says Van de Kletersteeg. “Equipment must
Cautious optimism “Our outlook for Europe is cautiously positive,” says Ekiz. BVS expects demand to remain supported by structural factors including modernisation, replacement of ageing equipment and more understanding of the importance of a resilient regional logistics infrastructure. “At the broader market level, Europe is benefiting from ongoing transport and port investment programmes, while medium-term maritime trade is still expected to grow even if the near-term pace is moderate rather than explosive,” she adds. The European Commission is continuing
to back sustainable and connected transport projects, and many authorities’ project average seaborne trade growth through 2030. “That said, we also expect customers to remain
careful,” she says. “Procurement cycles may be longer, and investment decisions may be influenced by interest rates, trade uncertainty and geopolitical developments. So, we do not expect a uniformly easy market. “We believe our position is strong because
customers are increasingly looking for suppliers that can offer engineering flexibility, competitive cost-performance balance, responsive communication and reliable after-sales support. These are areas where we believe we are well positioned for further growth in Europe.” CM Labs has a more robust outlook, due
to its differing market drivers. “We see strong momentum for simulation-based training across the European port sector,” says Van de Kletersteeg. “Terminals are facing increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency while maintaining high safety standards and addressing workforce development challenges.” Three factors driving simulation-based training
are its impact on productivity, cost efficiency and workforce development. “We expect continued growth in demand for simulation-based training systems across Europe as ports continue to invest in technologies that help them build safer, more skilled and more productive workforces,” says Van de Kletersteeg.
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