A row of colorful shipping containers at a port, stacked and organized for transport.

Port Boulogne Calais

Modernizing Unaccompanied Cargo Services and Enhancing Competitiveness

E-Dea enabled the Port Boulogne Calais to optimize unaccompanied cargo handling, improve traceability, and ensure compliance with ISPS regulations. By leveraging key modules of the platform, the port achieved significant operational improvements, positioning itself as a leader in maritime and multimodal transportation.

“Port development demands new ideas and processes. E-Dea is committed to provide the reactive and smart solutions the port of Calais needs to realize its potential. Passengers, freight, intermodality, etc., every market can be run and managed in the most reliable and cost effective way.” 

Anthony Pétillon – Director of Strategic Development, SEPD 

Port Boulogne Calais is Europe’s main maritime gateway to the UK, handling:

9 million

passengers annually

2 million

freight units

1.5 million

vehicles annually

51 million

tons of cargo

As Europe’s only port with a rail motorway terminal, it offers integrated Ro-Ro-Rail services.

Orange question mark inside a light bulb icon

Initial Challenges: 

  • Modernize unaccompanied cargo handling processes to improve speed and efficiency. 

  • Ensure compliance with ISPS regulations for port security. 

  • Support the growth outlined in the “Calais Port 2015” project (doubling capacity with a €650 million investment). 

Orange target with an arrow in the bullseye icon

Goals: 

  • Optimize trailer handling with remote control and automation.

  • Improve traceability and real-time visibility of freight.

  • Deliver faster workflows and higher-quality services to customers.

Platform 

E-Dea implemented a tailored combination of modules to address the port’s challenges:

Terminal and Yard Management

  • Enabled real-time monitoring and remote control of unaccompanied cargo workflows. 

  • Integrated Weight-in-Motion (WIM) systems at port gates for seamless weight verification. 

Automation and Efficiency

  • Integrated automated workflows for ANPR-based cargo validation and WIM systems to eliminate manual bottlenecks.

  • Implemented event-driven processes to validate trailers, generate inspection logs, and send real-time updates.

  • Automation ensured faster gate processing and condition verification for unaccompanied freight.

Achieved Results 

By implementing E-Dea R5, BC Ferries achieved:

A screen displaying operational information at Port Boulogne Calais, showing real-time data for port management.

Time Savings

Significant reduction in hauliers’ working time through process automation.


Improved Traceability

Real-time visibility and monitoring of unaccompanied trailers for better service quality.


Higher Customer Satisfaction

Faster boarding processes and seamless workflows for freight operators.


Operational Efficiency

Reduced manual interventions with integrated WIM systems and automated inspections.


ISPS Compliance

Reliable operational consistency with port security regulations.