A Personal Perspective: Experiencing the Industry's Evolution Firsthand
Attending RoRo Congress 2025 was not just a professional obligation, it was an invaluable experience. Being surrounded by industry leaders, hearing firsthand their concerns, ambitions, and strategies, gave me a deep appreciation for the complexity and resilience of our sector.
One comment that resonated deeply came from a panelist who noted, "We are not just moving vehicles anymore; we are managing ecosystems." This perfectly captured the evolving role of logistics companies today.
From spontaneous conversations over coffee to structured panel discussions, the event offered a rare opportunity to align perspectives across the entire automotive supply chain.
The New Reality of Vehicle Logistics
Vehicle logistics is no longer just about moving cars from factories to dealerships. Several major trends are reshaping the entire chain:
- Chinese Market Expansion: Chinese automakers continue to gain ground in Europe, pushing OEMs to rethink supply chains and port capacity.
- Trade Tensions: New tariffs and protectionist measures, particularly from the U.S., create uncertainty in transatlantic vehicle flows.
- Direct Sales Revolution: The shift from dealership models to direct-to-consumer sales changes vehicle storage, handling, and preparation needs.
- EU ETS Regulations: Emissions regulations like Fit for 55 are driving maritime and logistics companies to rapidly decarbonize operations.
One expert summed up the urgency: "The old models are collapsing faster than we can rebuild them. Flexibility and speed are now survival skills."
Digitalization as the Cornerstone
A recurring theme at RoRo Congress 2025 was that physical expansion alone will not solve growing operational pressures. Digital tools are critical to:
- Track vehicles in real time
- Optimize yard and berth operations
- Manage port throughput dynamically
- Integrate VPC activities into overall flow management
The consensus was clear: without full digital visibility and agile systems, ports and logistics providers risk bottlenecks and missed opportunities.
"The future capacity of ports will be measured in data flows as much as in square meters."
Challenges and Opportunities in Terminal Operations
As vessels become larger and direct sales increase dwell times, efficient port operations are paramount. Industry experts pointed to solutions like:
- Increasing throughput per hectare by up to 30% through better planning
- Investing in multi-level car parks and inland storage compounds
- Improving terminal-rail-barge connectivity to relieve congestion
Multimodal integration was a consistent focus, especially the importance of rail and barge as pressure valves for overburdened roads and truckload zones. Dedicated shunting corridors and optimized intra-port transfers are becoming essential features of any modern terminal strategy.
Truckload Bottlenecks: A Growing Operational Challenge
One of the more surprising, and pressing, challenges discussed was the inefficiency of truckload operations. As one panelist bluntly put it, "Truckload is in fact a waste for the terminal... 1,000 trucks per day, each taking 25m² - it adds up."
Longer dwell times, unpredictable pickup scheduling, and inefficient space use all compound to limit terminal flexibility. Reducing truck-related congestion isn't just a matter of gate automation, it requires synchronized digital platforms across dispatchers, carriers, and terminal systems.
Talent and Knowledge: The New Operational Gap
As ports and VPCs become more software-driven, a new challenge is emerging: skill gaps. Digital transformation isn't just about deploying platforms, it’s about equipping teams to use them effectively.
"We’ve become more of a software company than a yard operator."
That quote struck a chord, not because it's an overstatement, but because it's increasingly true. From automated charging management to API-driven yard logic, the logistics industry is evolving into a hybrid of physical and digital operations, and that means workforce readiness is now a strategic priority.
The Rising Importance of VPCs
Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) are becoming even more critical as the final preparation step before vehicles reach customers. Pre-delivery inspections, EV charging, software updates, and customizations must happen with precision and speed.
The need for highly digitalized, quality-controlled VPC operations will only grow as automotive sales models evolve.
Building a Resilient, Future-Ready Supply Chain
With global supply chains facing constant disruption, from geopolitical shifts to regulatory changes, resilience has become a top priority. Operators and OEMs are seeking partners who can help them pivot quickly and manage volatility without sacrificing service levels.
"Resilience is not a buzzword anymore; it's the new currency of global trade."
Logisoft: Listening, Understanding, Delivering
Being present at RoRo Congress 2025 was essential for Logisoft. It allowed us not just to showcase our expertise, but more importantly, to listen, to understand, and to absorb the real needs of the industry.
Hearing directly from ports, shipping companies, OEMs, and logistics providers reinforced that many of the challenges discussed are already areas where Logisoft is making a difference:
- Real-time supply chain visibility
- Terminal management optimization
- Integration of VPC services with OEM systems
- Data-driven decision support for dynamic storage and handling
- Synchronizing truckload flows and yard logic
- Supporting multimodal integration through platform connectivity
We recognized ourselves in many of the calls for action: smarter operations, greater transparency, and faster adaptability.
Understanding the pulse of the industry isn't optional, it's essential. That's why Logisoft remains committed to staying engaged, connected, and forward-thinking. RoRo Congress 2025 was a powerful reminder that true leadership starts with listening, and acting with precision.
