Imagine a smart GPS for global shipping — but instead of just finding the fastest route for one truck, it coordinates ships, trains, trucks, and even futuristic options like hyperloops to move goods across continents as efficiently as possible. The system uses AI to react when trade routes get disrupted by politics or weather, automatically rerouting cargo through cheaper, greener alternatives. Think of it like a traffic control tower for the entire supply chain, where ports, customs, and logistics companies all share one intelligent platform instead of juggling dozens of disconnected systems.
By the numbers
10-25%
Targeted fuel usage and emissions reduction
20-25%
Targeted reduction in long-distance truck movements
40
Consortium partners across the project
17
Countries represented in the consortium
EUR 6,848,575
EU contribution to the project
65%
Industry partner ratio in consortium
The business problem
What needed solving
Global freight logistics is stuck with fragmented systems — ports, shippers, customs, and carriers all use different platforms that don't talk to each other, leading to wasted fuel, truck congestion, and slow reactions when trade routes shift due to politics or climate. Companies shipping goods internationally face rising transport costs, mounting emissions pressure, and an inability to quickly pivot when disruptions hit their supply chains.
The solution
What was built
The project built an interoperable cloud-based ecosystem of AI logistics software tools, culminating in the ePIGEN integrated public showcase demonstrator that combined components from three separate demonstrator tasks. Across 13 deliverables, the consortium developed solutions for multimodal freight optimization, route planning across new trade corridors (Arctic, Silk Road), and intelligent coordination between ports, logistics companies, and authorities.
Audience
Who needs this
Port authorities and terminal operators struggling with congestion and vessel turnaround timesThird-party logistics providers looking to cut fuel costs through smarter multimodal routingInternational freight forwarders needing to adapt quickly to trade route disruptionsLarge retailers and e-commerce companies with complex international supply chainsCustoms and border agencies seeking digital single-window integration
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Port Operations & Maritime Logistics
enterprise
Target: Port authorities and terminal operators managing container throughput
If you are a port operator dealing with congestion, long vessel turnaround times, and unpredictable cargo arrivals — this project developed a cloud-based AI logistics platform that smooths arrival profiles at ports. The system was built with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as coordinator and tested across 17 countries, targeting a 20-25% reduction in long-distance truck movements feeding into port areas.
Freight Forwarding & 3PL Providers
mid-size
Target: Third-party logistics companies managing multimodal freight across Europe
If you are a freight forwarder struggling with rising fuel costs and pressure to cut emissions — this project built interoperable AI tools that optimize cargo routing across road, rail, and sea. The platform targets 10-25% fuel usage reduction by shifting freight to greener transport modes and optimizing loads, with real integration across 40 partner organizations.
Retail & E-commerce Supply Chain
enterprise
Target: Large retailers and e-commerce platforms with international sourcing
If you are a retailer sourcing goods internationally and facing volatile shipping costs due to trade route disruptions — this project created AI-based software that adapts routing in real time to political and market changes, including new Arctic and Silk Road routes. With 26 industry partners testing the system, it addresses the consumer expectation of cheaper goods through smarter logistics.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
What would it cost to implement this logistics platform?+
The project was funded with EUR 6,848,575 in EU contribution across 40 partners, indicating significant R&D investment. Specific licensing or subscription pricing for the AI logistics tools has not been published. Contact the consortium through the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to discuss commercial terms.
Can this work at the scale of real international freight operations?+
The platform was designed for global trade scale, tested across 17 countries with 40 partners including major logistics players and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. A public showcase demonstrator (ePIGEN) integrated multiple system components to address complex supply chain scenarios. The 65% industry partner ratio suggests real operational testing.
Who owns the IP and how can we license the technology?+
This was an EU-funded Research and Innovation Action (RIA), meaning IP is typically retained by the partners who created it. With 26 industry partners and 9 universities in the consortium, licensing arrangements would need to be discussed directly with the relevant technology owners. The coordinator (Port of Antwerp-Bruges) can direct inquiries.
Does this comply with EU transport and customs regulations?+
The project explicitly addressed integration with EU systems including EGNOS positional precision and the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme. It also worked on single window concepts for customs. The involvement of international authorities in the platform design suggests regulatory alignment was a core requirement.
How long would it take to integrate this with our existing logistics systems?+
The platform was built as an interoperable cloud-based ecosystem specifically designed to work with existing systems. Based on available project data, the ePIGEN showcase demonstrator proved that multiple components could work together. Integration timelines would depend on your current IT infrastructure and which specific modules you need.
What measurable results can we expect?+
The project targeted 10-25% reduction in fuel usage and corresponding emissions, plus a 20-25% reduction in long-distance truck movements through modal shift to greener transport. These figures come from the project objectives and represent the design targets validated through the demonstrator activities.
Is this ready for deployment or still experimental?+
The project closed in May 2024 after four years of development. A public integrated showcase demonstrator (ePIGEN) was built combining components from three separate demonstrator tasks. While this shows working technology, commercial deployment readiness would depend on the specific module and partner involved.
Consortium
Who built it
This is an unusually large consortium with 40 partners spanning 17 countries — well beyond the typical EU project. The 65% industry ratio (26 industry partners) signals that this was built with commercial players at the table, not just academics theorizing. Led by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe's largest ports, the consortium includes 7 SMEs alongside major logistics operators. The geographic spread covers key trade corridors: Western Europe (BE, NL, DE), Nordics and Baltics (FI, SE, LV, LT), Southern Europe (ES, PT), and crucially extends outside Europe to Canada, China, Colombia, and the US — reflecting the global freight ambition. This breadth means the technology was tested against real international logistics complexity, not just a single corridor.
The coordinator is the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium). Search for their innovation or digital transformation department for commercial inquiries about ePIcenter technology.
Want to explore how ePIcenter's AI logistics tools could cut your freight costs by up to 25%? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the right technology partner from the 40-member consortium. Contact us for a tailored briefing.
