Ten months, one powerful upgrade, countless efficiency wins!
Project Overview
In August 2019, the container terminal of HHLA TK Estonia AS — part of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) — successfully launched Solvo.TOS 6.4 at the Port of Muuga, Estonia. The implementation project was completed in just 10 months.
The main objective was to modernize terminal operations by replacing the legacy Solvo.CTMS system with the latest version of Solvo.TOS, enabling more advanced planning, automation, and integration capabilities.
About Solvo.TOS
Solvo.TOS is a next-generation terminal operating system that manages all aspects of container terminal operations, including:
- Vessel, truck, and rail planning
- Container weighing and CFS operations
- Yard planning and real-time control
- Housekeeping and KPI tracking
- Integration with external systems
- Support for automated equipment and smart routing
Project Goals
According to Stanislav Koval, Head of IT and Development at HHLA TK Estonia AS:
“We wanted to upgrade the system to gain access to modern terminal management features and add tools like yard visualization, layout editing, and vessel stowage planning. We also implemented a new block train planning module and integrated Solvo.TOS with external systems via JMS in XML format.”
Terminal Profile
Key Services
- Handling of container, RO-RO, and LO-LO vessels
- General and bulk cargo operations
- Storage in bonded and regular warehouses
- Reefer container connection and monitoring
- Oversized and heavy cargo handling
- Cross-docking of trailers and containers
Infrastructure
- Cargo turnover: > 650,000 TEUs
- Terminal area: 55.94 ha
- Reefer capacity: 404 simultaneous connections
- Railfront: Two rail tracks for 150 platforms (block trains)
- Berths: Four, totaling 1096 m in length, 12.5–14.5 m depth
Container Handling Equipment
- 3 STS cranes (Konecranes, 40 t)
- 1 RMG crane (Konecranes, 40 t)
- 6 RTG cranes (Kalmar & Konecranes)
- 9 reach stackers (15–45 t)
- 9 shuttle carriers (Kalmar & Konecranes)
- 8 port trucks (SISU)
- Multitrailer system (Buiscar)
Key Functionality and Customization
Vessel and Yard Planning
- Bird’s-eye yard view and interactive layout editor
- 3D vessel stowage module with semi-automatic planning
- EDI processor and intelligent crane sequencing algorithms
Rail Operations
- Block train stowage planning directly in the TOS
- Automated container allocation based on railway regulations
- Equipment and operator assignment with real-time visualization
Smart Equipment Control
- Dynamic routing based on job priority, distance, and CHE performance
- Optimized routing and job sequencing to reduce idle time
Additional Modules
- Empty Container Depot (ECD)
- Automated STS operator’s workstation
Integration
Solvo.TOS was integrated with:
- HHLA’s Terminal Community System (TCS)
- The terminal’s ERP system via EDBic (Compacer platform)
Results and Efficiency Gains
Following the implementation of Solvo.TOS 6.4, HHLA TK Estonia achieved measurable improvements:
- Faster vessel handling (up to 90 containers/hour)
- Truck turnaround time reduced to ~25 minutes
- Reduced container dwell time in yard
- Minimized rehandles and CHE idle time
- Improved data visibility for clients and partners
- More accurate paperwork & fewer commercial errors
- Streamlined remote document exchange
Conclusion
The Solvo.TOS 6.4 upgrade enabled HHLA TK Estonia to fully modernize operations and unlock new efficiencies in vessel, rail, and yard management — setting a new standard for digital port operations in the Baltic region.
