A new project aimed at transforming container logistics through advanced automation and private 5G connectivity has officially launched at the Port of Castellón, with the development of a pioneering prototype for real-time port operations management.
Known as Autoport – Port Logistics Automation with Automated Guided Vehicles – the 18-month innovation project has a budget of €859,000 and is funded by Puertos del Estado under its Puertos 4.0 programme to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the port sector. The Port of Castellón will serve as the primary site for validation trials.
The project is led by ALIA, the Aragón Logistics Cluster, with technology partners Moontech, Teltronic, Orbel Grupo and DTA. The initiative aims to develop functional automated guided vehicle prototypes and an advanced data management platform to enable more efficient, real-time control of container movements within port environments.
Autoport is the first project of its kind to integrate AGVs with a range of disruptive technologies, including private 5G connectivity, digital twin-based simulation, artificial intelligence algorithms and blockchain-enabled traceability, within a single coordinated solution. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays and provide greater real-time visibility across container handling operations.
As part of the project, Teltronic will design, configure and deploy a private 5G network at the Port of Castellón’s container terminal, including a dedicated connectivity layer to support reliable AGV communications. DTA will be responsible for manufacturing the AGVs, while Moontech will develop the software required to integrate the vehicles into port systems, including remote driving capabilities, digital twin functionality, AI applications and smart contracts. Orbel Grupo will lead process engineering and oversee system integration, deployment and training.
The project also addresses the technical challenges of deploying AGVs in complex port environments, including the need to handle containers of varying sizes and weights, operate in congested and dynamic conditions, and adapt to different loading configurations.
ALIA managing director Ángel Gil said the objective is to reduce operating times and improve efficiency in port management, while ensuring the solution can be scaled and commercialised at other ports once the project concludes. He noted that despite recent advances in port automation, growing traffic volumes, larger vessels and increasing international competition require new solutions to support safer and more efficient operations.
Following the project kick-off meeting, partners visited the Port of Castellón facilities and the areas where the prototypes will be tested, marking the start of on-site development and validation activities.
