Kalmar and APM Terminals Partner to Co-Develop Port Automation
The companies are shifting from a vendor-client model to a joint development framework for next-generation terminal technology.
Kalmar and APM Terminals have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop next-generation terminal technology. The collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and resilience of automated port operations through a shared development framework.
The partnership focuses on joint software development, deployment, and the alignment of product roadmaps. A primary objective is the integration of APM Terminals' operational expertise directly into the Kalmar One automation system. This effort centers on the creation of an "Automation as a Service" approach, designed to streamline how automation is delivered and scaled across port environments. APM Terminals already employs Kalmar One at its Pier 400 terminal in Los Angeles, the largest container port terminal in the Western Hemisphere.
The Shift Toward Automation
This collaboration arrives as container ports globally accelerate their transition toward automation to manage increasing cargo volumes and improve worker safety. Kalmar, a part of Cargotec, provides the essential hardware and automation software, while APM Terminals offers the large-scale operational environment and real-world data necessary to refine these systems. By combining these strengths, the partners aim to create solutions that are more adaptable and aligned with actual operational needs.
Industry Implications
By aligning their product roadmaps and engaging in joint development, the two companies are shifting away from a traditional vendor-client relationship toward a co-development model. This structural change is intended to reduce technical complexity and accelerate the deployment of automation services. According to Juuso Kanner, Vice President of Automation at Kalmar, the collaboration represents an "industry first" and a major milestone in the field. Hans Jacobs, Head of Operational Technology & Analytics at APM Terminals, noted that the synergy allows for the creation of integrated solutions that are safer and more transparent.
Future Outlook
The partnership will now focus on the practical execution of the "Automation as a Service" model. Industry observers will be watching to see if this co-development framework becomes a new standard for how port technology is scaled. While the broad goals of joint software development are clear, the specific technical mechanisms of the collaboration and the timeline for wider rollout across other APM Terminals sites remain to be seen.