Hapag-Lloyd, K+N, Flowfox begin automation pilot for import container releases

GLOBAL – Logistics giants, Hapag-Lloyd, Kuehne+Nagel, and technology startup Flowfox have launched a pilot project aimed at automating import container release processes.

The project will first roll out in France with Kuehne+Nagel and in Germany with another major freight forwarder.

The pilot project aims to address inefficiencies and errors inherent in the current manual processes for releasing import containers.

Flowfox, in a LinkedIn post, detailed that the initial three-month phase will operate in a closed testing environment to ensure the application is robust and error-free before a wider rollout.

Danny Smolders, Managing Director of Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd, highlighted the company’s commitment to improving service standards and efficiency.

“At Hapag-Lloyd, we are committed to elevating service standards and maximizing efficiencies to ensure our customers receive a best-in-class experience. Therefore, we are engaging in a pilot with Flowfox as we firmly believe in the significant automation potential within the import process,” Smolders stated.

The collaboration involves Flowfox’s Drop-off Change product, which aims to optimize the empty return processes of containers, adding direct value to customers.

Markus Johannsen, SVP of Global Seafreight and Global Head of Operations Sea Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, emphasized the continuous effort to enhance operational standards and efficiency.

 “At Kuehne+Nagel, we are consistently striving to provide our customers with the highest quality service and meet their global needs. Through ongoing enhancements to our operational standards and efficiency, we strive to exceed expectations. We recognize the immense potential of Flowfox to significantly automate import processes. Therefore, we are commencing the pilot phase of the Flowfox platform in France in partnership with major ocean carriers.”

The project marks a significant step forward in Kuehne+Nagel’s Roadmap 2026, underscoring the company’s dedication to improving overall customer experience through strategic operational improvements.

Flowfox CEO Patrick Pehmöller expressed enthusiasm about the project’s launch in Europe after extensive preparation.

“After four years of proof-of-concept phases, intensive study of global import processes, hard work, and the development of a solution that covers all the different local processes, we are delighted to launch our platform in Europe. But for us, this is just the beginning. Our clear goal is to become a global standard that focuses on efficiency, security, and data exchange.”

The automation of import container releases stands to revolutionize the logistics industry, reducing errors and saving time for all parties involved.

As this pilot project progresses, it is expected to demonstrate significant benefits and pave the way for broader adoption in other regions and with other partners.

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