The Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) Americas 2026 is just around the corner, and we’re pleased to spotlight some of the expert speakers who will be sharing their insights on the future of container terminal automation and digitalisation across the Americas.
Today, we speak with Norbert Klettner, Vice President, TIC 4.0, about the technologies and standards shaping the next phase of container terminal modernisation. He explains why centralised and standardised data foundations are critical to unlocking AI, digital twins and simulation tools, and how combining these approaches can strengthen operational resilience, improve forecasting and deliver measurable efficiency gains across terminals.
Join us on 24-25 February 2026 in Panama and be part of the conversation shaping the next phase of terminal performance in the region! Register here: https://events.porttechnology.org/ctac-americas/#Tickets
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Latin American ports and terminals in the next 12–24 months, particularly around automation and digitalisation?
The industry is embarking on this journey in the coming years and has the opportunity to build on lessons learned from first movers, implementing the most effective use cases and technologies rather than starting from scratch.
In automation, especially for existing terminals, the development of aTT shows strong potential to act as an enabler for further automation.
At the same time, building digital platforms as part of this journey, and doing so based on standards, makes sense at this stage. It enables terminals to integrate digitalisation into their broader modernisation approach in a structured and sustainable way.
Which innovation or technology trend do you believe will have the most impact on operational resilience and efficiency in container terminals?
Centralised and standardised data harvesting will be key to unlocking many of the other modernisation technologies. Using this as the cornerstone will enable game-changing applications such as AI and digital twins.
The real impact will come from combining these technologies with complementary approaches. For example, using a digital twin together with simulation technologies can significantly improve operational decision-making and forecasting, strengthening both resilience and efficiency in container terminals.
What key message or insight are you most looking forward to sharing with the CTAC Americas 2026 audience during your session?
There are solutions and initiatives already available that can make the journey in the coming years significantly easier than it was for some of the first movers. My key message is to actively look for best practices and industry standards that have already been developed and tested.
Norbert Klettner has worked for more than 15 years in the port and terminal industry, implementing and integrating Terminal Operating Systems. Klettner initially worked with EUROGATE and later became Managing Director of the RBS EMEA Office, implementing the TOPS Expert system. Through akquinet port consulting, he has focused on simulation and emulation using the CHESSCON suite. Klettner is a founding member of TIC4.0 and serves as Vice President, as well as a member of its Executive and Operations Councils.
