The RoRo‑Hafen‑4.0 initiative, led by Lübecker Hafen‑Gesellschaft mbH (LHG), focused on embedding a process‑oriented mindset into the port’s operations and creating a digital twin that links real‑time data with interactive 3D visualisations. The core technical outcome was a structured process documentation framework that captures every step of the RoRo cargo flow, from berth allocation to vehicle handling and customs clearance. By mapping process flows, dependencies, and resource requirements, LHG was able to expose bottlenecks and redundancies that previously hindered efficient throughput. The resulting process models were fed into a mobile software platform that records operational data directly at the point of activity. This data populates a central database, which in turn supplies the digital twin with up‑to‑date information. The twin is rendered through a graphical interface that overlays the physical layout of the port with real‑time status indicators, enabling operators to monitor vessel positions, berth occupancy, and vehicle queue lengths in a single view. The system also retains a historical log, allowing trend analysis and predictive maintenance planning. While the report does not provide explicit numerical performance metrics, the qualitative assessment indicates a significant improvement in process transparency and decision‑making speed, which is expected to translate into higher berth utilisation and reduced turnaround times.

In addition to the digital twin, the project established a foundation for compliance with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ISO 27001 information‑security standards. By integrating data‑handling procedures into the process models, LHG could demonstrate that personal data is processed only for legitimate purposes and that appropriate safeguards are in place. The structured approach also facilitated the creation of a quality management system that aligns with ISO 9001 requirements, thereby positioning the port for future certifications. The knowledge gained from the RoRo‑Hafen‑4.0 effort is slated for reuse in the subsequent “MISSION” project, which aims to extend digitalisation across the entire transport chain.

Collaboration was a key driver of the project’s success. LHG acted as consortium leader, coordinating the effort and providing project management, IT, and organisational expertise. Finnish partner harbours contributed experience in modern port digitalisation and helped shape the RoRo‑Hafen‑4.0 methodology. The Swedish port of Trelleborg, involved in the Interreg Real Time Ferries programme, supplied alternative data‑exchange concepts that were evaluated for applicability to LHG’s operations. These exchanges broadened the scope of the project beyond the port itself to include upstream and downstream stakeholders such as terminal operators and customs authorities. The partnership network also extended to the German federal funding body, which provided the financial resources necessary to implement the technical solutions and conduct the process‑analysis work. The project timeline spanned from early 2016 through late 2017, with key milestones announced in September 2017 through press releases on LHG.com, HL‑Live, and DVZ, highlighting the port’s move toward digitalisation and the receipt of federal funds for innovative harbour projects.

Overall, RoRo‑Hafen‑4.0 delivered a robust framework for process documentation, a functional digital twin that integrates structured data and 3D visualisation, and a compliance roadmap for GDPR and ISO 27001. The collaborative effort, underpinned by federal funding and cross‑border partnerships, positioned LHG to accelerate its digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for future certification and integration with the wider transport network.