startport startup project initiated.
Quay walls and sheet pile walls are exposed to fluctuating water levels and changing weather conditions, which cause long-term damage: rust, concrete damage, or cracks can occur. To detect and repair such damage in a timely manner, the duisport Group regularly inspects the quay walls and sheet pile walls in the Port of Duisburg. Until now, this inspection has been carried out manually. To simplify the process, the startport startup Mavisoft has been supporting duisport since December 2021 as part of a pilot project to analyze image material of quay wall sections and to detect and classify possible damage. Mavisoft uses artificial intelligence (AI) and Digital Twinning for this purpose.
Mavisoft’s solution reduces workload and provides valuable additional information
Mavisoft analyzes existing image material of the quay walls for duisport. This material was previously captured by drone and then transferred to a digital model (Digital Twin).
Using algorithms, damages were subsequently identified and their severity assessed (Figure left). The AI-based analysis is more time-efficient and accurate for duisport, as it is not based on subjective experience. To obtain precise analysis results, the startup incorporates additional information from the startup i4Sea regarding weather, Rhine water levels, and usage behavior.
This analysis, and thus the first phase of the pilot project, has already been successfully completed. After evaluating the results, a decision will be made on whether the startup’s solution should continue to be used. Felix Musolf, Manager Digitalization and Innovation at duisport, is convinced by the startup’s commitment: “The team is highly motivated and was able to inspire us to collaborate. They are passionate about their product and believe in its benefits.”
Innovation platform startport successfully networked
The young AI research company Mavisoft is part of the sixth batch of the startport startup program, the innovation platform for logistics and supply chain. The exchange was initiated by startport at the end of 2021, and the AI surveying startup was able to win duisport as a client. Initial pilot projects are important for startups, as startport CEO Alexander Garbar knows: “In this specific project, Mavisoft has the opportunity to prove its business model and thus gain a long-term client and advocate. This is very valuable for startups.”
About Mavisoft: Mavisoft is an AI research company that offers the leading sustainable solution for automated damage detection and preventive maintenance of industrial facilities. Mavisoft uses data collected by aerial drones, water drones, or other third parties to create digital twins of the facility. Using artificial intelligence, these images are analyzed, and all damages and their severity are automatically detected. They are also able to improve the lifecycle of the facilities and provide repair cost estimates for the damages. Mavisoft currently works with key players in the maritime industry, including the ports of Antwerp, Amsterdam, North Sea Port, Zeebrugge, DP World, and Schiphol Airport. Mavisoft was founded in 2018 by Theodor Preststulen in Rotterdam. Before founding Mavisoft, Theodor Preststulen worked in the shipping industry as an agent, ship operator, and digital transformation engineer.
About startport: As a subsidiary of Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), startport GmbH is committed to initiating a creative innovation culture and actively promoting further development in the field of logistics and supply chain. With this ambition, it supports and challenges young startups that, together with duisport and the companies located here, develop forward-looking ideas for the leading logistics hub in the heart of Europe.