Barcelona

VAHLE automates boarding processes in cruise terminals - energy, position and data in one system

U25 AE | SMGX data transmission | APOS positioning system

The VAHLE fact check

Industry

People Mover

BACKGROUND

As a leading provider of energy and data transmission systems, we have worked with boarding bridge specialist ADELTE to automate several cruise terminals around the world - including the port of Barcelona, one of Europe's most important hubs for cruise ships.

With the increase in global cruise tourism - around 27 million passengers in 2024 - the demands on passenger logistics are also increasing. Today, boarding solutions have to deliver more: efficiency, safety, comfort and a positive travel experience.

CHALLENGE

Ever larger cruise ships and high passenger frequency
High demands on safety, throughput and comfort
Corrosive environmental conditions (salt water, heat)
Need for fully automated, low-maintenance technology

Modern passenger boarding bridges, comparable to passenger boarding bridges at airports, have to perform significantly better today: they need to be weather-protected, air-conditioned, barrier-free and at the same time flexibly manoeuvrable . Precise and safe docking is essential.

The conditions in harbour facilities are demanding: salty air, high temperatures and intensive use by thousands of passengers per approach require robust and reliable systems. High availability, minimised downtimes and maximum operational reliability are crucial, especially at highly frequented locations such as Barcelona. Low-maintenance energy and data transmission systems that function in the long term are required.

The VAHLE SOLUTION

VAHLE supplies an intelligent complete system for the automated Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges (SPBBs) in Barcelona:

Energy transmission:

Insulated conductor rail VAHLE U25 AE
- Stainless steel running surface protects against corrosion and heat
- Low maintenance and long-term stability

Data transmission:

SMGX system (vCOM) for reliable communication
- Real-time monitoring of the bridge movement

Positioning:

APOS system (vPOS) for precise, automated alignment of the bridges

The combined system ensures safe, smooth operation - with minimum maintenance and maximum operational safety.

Further references with VAHLE technology

In addition to Barcelona, other cruise terminals have been equipped with VAHLE technology, including

Lisbon
Venice
Southampton
Miami
Seattle
Hong Kong
Taipei

Result for the customer

Improved passenger logistics thanks to automated boarding
Fewer breakdowns and maintenance costs
Secure and air-conditioned access to the ship
Positive travel experience for millions of cruise passengers

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VAHLE automates boarding processes in cruise terminals - energy, position and data in one system

The VAHLE fact check

Industry

BACKGROUND

CHALLENGE

The VAHLE SOLUTION

Energy transmission:

Data transmission:

Positioning:

Further references with VAHLE technology

Result for the customer

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