Europe’s largest inland waterway shipping company is providing new impetus in the process of digital transformation: it is launching the introduction of its own in-house AI application in November. HGK Shipping has been able to gain the AI platform, neuland.ai HUB, as its partner for this project. The cooperation arrangement with the Cologne-based firm, which has specialised in meeting small and medium-sized customers’ requirements for using AI with its AI solutions, is a clear expression of HGK Shipping’s long-term future strategy. This is enabling the company to underline its role as a leading innovator within the inland waterway shipping sector.

Thanks to the new corporate AI solution, HGK Shipping will be able to increase the efficiency of its operating activities for its customers and develop new data-driven services for them. “The introduction of our own AI solution marks a significant milestone along our journey towards becoming a digital shipping company. We’re particularly delighted to have found a strong partner from the region in the form of neuland.ai based in Cologne – this is evidence of the innovative strength that exists in the Rhine-based economy,” says Steffen Bauer, the CEO of HGK AG and Chairman of the Managing Board of HGK Shipping

“Using AI, we want to intelligently network our internal processes, accelerate data-based decisions and enable new services for our customers,” adds Kevin Stepan, the Head of IT Business Partner Management at HGK Shipping.

Many examples of a high level of innovative capabilities

HGK Shipping has already proven its ability to use a high degree of innovative energy in many projects during the past few years. They include the introduction of remote operations for inland waterway vessels, which is currently in the advanced stages of gaining official approval, as well as revolutionary, award-winning designs for vessels for more sustainable and resource-saving transport logistics on inland waterways.

Karl-Heinz Land, the CEO and founder of neuland.ai, mentions the benefits of the partnership. “We’re supporting HGK Shipping to enable it to become an AI-first company that is not only optimising its customer services but is also increasing its employees’ satisfaction levels. It’s our goal to consistently analyse processes and improve them using modern AI solutions – by constantly focusing on people, who receive better support for their work through these technologies.”