20.10.2025 | Press Release

HGK Shipping launches AI offensive: cooperation with neuland.ai drives digital transformation in inland shipping

Duisburg. Europe's largest inland shipping company is providing new impetus for digital transformation: the introduction of an in-house AI application will begin in November. The AI platform neuland.ai HUB has been won as a partner for this project. The cooperation with the Cologne-based company, which specialises in customer requirements from SMEs for the use of AI with its AI solutions, is an expression of HGK Shipping's long-term strategy for the future. The company is thus emphasising its role as an innovation leader in the inland shipping industry.

With the new corporate AI, HGK Shipping will increase the efficiency of its operational activities for customers and develop new data-driven services for clients. "The introduction of our own AI solution is a decisive milestone on our path to becoming a digital shipping company. We are particularly pleased that we have been able to gain a strong partner from the region in neuland.ai from Cologne - proof of the innovative strength of the Rhenish economy," says Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK AG and Chairman of the Management Board of HGK Shipping.

"By using AI, we want to intelligently network internal processes, accelerate data-based decisions and enable new services for our customers," adds Kevin Stepan, Head of IT Business Partner Management at HGK Shipping.

Kevin Stepan, Head of IT Business Partner Management

Many examples of high innovative strength

In recent years, HGK Shipping has already demonstrated its innovative strength in many projects. These include the introduction of remote control for inland vessels, which is currently at an advanced stage of the approval process, as well as revolutionary,
award-winning ship designs for more sustainable and resource-saving transport logistics on the waterway system. Karl-Heinz Land, CEO and founder of neuland.ai, on the benefits of the partnership: "We are helping HGK Shipping to become an AI-first company that not only optimises customer service, but also increases employee satisfaction. Our goal is to consistently analyse processes and improve them with modern AI solutions - always with a focus on people, who are better supported in their work by these technologies."