Customer & Terminal Context
Blue Water Shipping is an international logistics and shipping company with approximately 2,500 employees worldwide.In Esbjerg, Denmark, the company operates a Ro-Ro-focused terminal within the Esbjerg East Port multiterminal, supporting rolling cargo flows and wind logistics activities.
The terminal was launched as a greenfield facility and designed to handle approximately 180,000 Ro-Ro units per year, with around eight vessel calls per week, primarily trailer-based traffic. The terminal operates adjacent to dedicated Ro-Ro ramps and benefits from direct motorway access via the E20.
From the outset, the terminal required a robust operational setup capable of supporting continuous Ro-Ro operations at scale.
Operational Challenge
Launching a new Ro-Ro terminal required establishing stable and predictable terminal operations from day one.Given the terminal’s planned throughput and operational profile, it was essential to coordinate vessel calls, ramp operations, yard movements, and gate access within a single operational environment, without relying on temporary or fragmented tools during the startup phase.
From an operational perspective, the priority was to have one system that staff could rely on in daily work, rather than managing multiple tools during live terminal operations.
Solution: Cone TOS, GOS, and TCS
To support terminal launch and ongoing operations, Blue Water Shipping implemented Cone.TOS, Cone.GOS, and Cone.TCS as the core terminal systems.The solution manages essential terminal processes, including allocation rules and traffic management, supporting structured handling of Ro-Ro units and controlled traffic flows across the terminal.
A key operational capability is the use of self-service kiosks and system-controlled gate processes, allowing truck drivers to access the terminal during night hours without on-site gate clerks. Gate access and process validation are handled by the system, enabling continuous operations without manual gate intervention.
Cone TOS, GOS, and TCS functionality is delivered through a single system interface, allowing operational teams to work across terminal processes without switching between systems. The system is used both in office environments and directly in field operations on any device.
The implementation includes integrations with external systems, including Phoenix (the business system used by DFDS), the CLdN business system, and Danish Customs, supporting operational and regulatory data exchange.
Outcomes & Long-Term Cooperation
Over a seven-year period, Blue Water Shipping has continued to use Cone TOS, GOS, and TCS as part of the terminal’s core operational setup.The systems have remained in use without disruption as throughput and capacity expanded during the 2020–2025 period.
The long-term cooperation is valued for system stability, adaptability to changing operational requirements, and reliable, fast support response during live terminal operations.
Stakeholder Perspective & Future Plans
According to Christian Wolf, Terminal Manager at Blue Water Shipping:
“Cone Center’s TOS and GOS solutions for multi-terminal operations are fast, simple, and intuitive systems with extensive functionality, which we have been using in our daily operations 24/7 for more than seven years.”
Looking ahead, Blue Water Shipping plans to upgrade Cone TCS to further extend self-service capabilities. The next phase includes moving pre-gate processes outside the port area, with truck appointments handled through the Terminal Community System portal, supporting more structured traffic flow and reduced gate-side interaction.
