BLUEMAP Inc., a South Korean SME, specializes in maritime GIS software and has advanced S-100 and e-Navigation client technologies. Established in 2022, the company split from a predecessor founded in 2014. BLUEMAP is known for developing OpenS100, an open-source project, and the KHOA S-100 Viewer. In the Optimal-LOADS project, they are responsible for software development, focusing on testing and verifying services using their MCP client technology. Their strategic importance lies in leveraging their S-100 data processing and visualization expertise to enhance project outcomes.

Bm Bergmann Marine GmbH, a German SME, provides consultancy services with a focus on maritime regulations and data exchange standards. They are pivotal in the Optimal-LOADS project, analyzing and documenting relevant regulations and creating use cases through user group collaboration. BM's work builds on previous projects and aligns with initiatives like the IMO Maritime Single Window. They support clients in sustainable supply chain optimization and plan to develop an e-learning curriculum based on project results. BM's involvement ensures compliance and effective data management in the maritime domain.

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) is Germany's national aeronautics and space research center, with extensive expertise in data platforms and safety-critical systems. They bring valuable insights from projects in the automotive and maritime sectors. In the Optimal-LOADS project, DLR focuses on developing a robust data platform, ensuring safety and reliability through their test bed eMIR. Their work supports intermodal transport and autonomous systems. DLR’s strategic goal is to establish a stable foundation for future mobility solutions, contributing to standardization and research dissemination.

Digital Maritime Consultancy (DMC), a Danish SME, was established in 2017 and focuses on the development and commercialization of the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP). They have worked on significant projects funded by KRISO, including EfficienSea2 and SMART Navigation. In the Optimal-LOADS project, DMC serves as a system integrator and software developer, enhancing the MCP for commercial use and developing operational services like just-in-time arrival and port operation optimization. Their strategic goal is to expand their market reach and contribute to emission reduction and efficiency in maritime logistics.

Dortmunder Eisenbahn GmbH, a German SME, specializes in rail transport and shunting processes for ports and industrial areas. Founded in 1899, it has a long history of integrating in-plant logistics with regional and international rail transport. In the Optimal-LOADS project, they provide a test environment for AI-based optimization of shunting processes, contributing practical insights for requirements analysis. Their strategic importance lies in digitalizing rail infrastructure, applying Big Data Analytics for process optimization, and supporting modal shifts from road to rail to enhance productivity and sustainability in logistics.

ERSTE Software Limited, based in Ankara, Turkey, is a technology provider specializing in AI, ML, IoT, Big Data, and Cloud Computing. Founded in 2017, ERSTE has participated in several EU-funded R&D projects like Optimum and I-delta. In the Optimal-LOADS project, they focus on developing software requirements, database design, backend frameworks, and AI-based data analytics for logistics optimization. Their strategic goal is to leverage IoT and AI technologies to enhance data-driven decision-making and automated processes in logistics, positioning themselves in a growing market for digitization solutions.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization, specializes in research for industry, the service sector, and government. Founded in 1949, it operates 67 institutes across Germany, focusing on health, security, communication, energy, and the environment. In the Optimal-LOADS project, Fraunhofer acts as the national coordinator for Germany, contributing to digital transformation in ports and logistics. They provide customized software solutions and coordinate local research clusters. Fraunhofer aims to shape the digital future of seaports through data spaces and multimodal transport chains, enhancing sustainability and efficiency in logistics.

GMT Co., Ltd, founded in 2002, is a Korean SME specializing in surveillance, communication, navigation, and security technologies for both land and maritime sectors. They focus on developing and operating e-Navigation service terminals and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems) in collaboration with KRISO. In the Optimal-LOADS project, GMT contributes to route optimization and data exchange service testing, aiming to enhance ship and maritime safety. Their innovative solutions target sustainable route planning, fuel efficiency, and carbon emission reduction. GMT's expertise positions them well to leverage maritime data for autonomous ships and smart control systems, driving operational efficiencies and supporting the transition to greener maritime practices.

Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), one of Portugal's leading technology schools, has been at the forefront of engineering education and research since 1852. With a strong focus on artificial intelligence and decision-support techniques, ISEP-GECAD aims to apply machine learning methods to improve multimodal transport chains in the Optimal-LOADS project. They specialize in explainable AI, feature engineering, and feature selection to enhance the accuracy of AI recommendations. ISEP's involvement supports student projects and theses, fostering collaboration and innovation. Their strategic importance lies in developing AI-based recommendations to optimize transport execution, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing ISEP's research capabilities and industry connections.

KRISO, established in 1973, is South Korea's premier government-funded research institute for ship and ocean engineering. With expertise in naval
architecture, maritime safety systems, and intelligent marine mobility, KRISO leads the system architecture design for the Optimal-LOADS project. They focus on maritime AI, data science, and autonomous ship technologies. KRISO's significant contributions include the development of port call optimization and route planning services using the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP). Their strategic role in the project aligns with their ongoing efforts in maritime innovation, including the SMART-Navigation project and the Maritime AI & Data Science (MAIDaS) initiative, aiming to enhance maritime safety and efficiency through digital transformation.

Materna Information & Communications SE, founded in 1980, is a leading German IT service provider with around 4,000 employees and a turnover of about 500 million euros in 2022. Specializing in digital transformation, Materna offers comprehensive services from strategy to implementation and operations. In the Optimal-LOADS project, Materna focuses on Gaia-X connector technologies and AI-based data analytics, contributing to technical work packages and overall project coordination. Their involvement aligns with their business strategy, aiming to enhance public sector digitalization and logistics through innovative solutions, leveraging their membership in the Gaia-X AISBL association.

NautilusLog GmbH, a German SME, specializes in developing the Smart Logbook platform for the maritime industry. As a software developer in the Optimal-LOADS project, NautilusLog aims to connect expertise and build AI-based services to transform maritime operations. Their focus includes conceptual use case development, prototype deployment on ships, and extending ISO standards. The strategic goal is to reduce operational risks, improve environmental impact, and create new business models through digital workflows and data utilization.

NWL is a German inland shipping company that operates on the Elbe River and North German canals. In the Optimal-LOADS project, NWL acts as a problem solver for data space solutions in inland ports and inland water transport (IWT). They provide a test environment for developing prototypes aimed at optimizing container transport in inland navigation. By leveraging AI-based big data analytics, NWL seeks to improve process efficiency and support the modal shift from road to waterway, enhancing the competitiveness of IWT.

OPT, founded in 1992 in Portugal, is a pioneer in software development for public transport operational management. With a focus on R&D in mobility and transport, OPT aims to apply its expertise in AI and optimization to improve transport systems. In the Optimal-LOADS project, OPT will leverage its extensive experience in transport planning and sustainable mobility to develop innovative IT solutions, contributing to the project's goals of enhancing efficiency and sustainability in logistics operations.

Turkcell Teknoloji, a subsidiary of Turkcell, is a leading technology provider in Turkey, specializing in big data analytics and AI. In the Optimal-LOADS project, Turkcell Teknoloji focuses on optimizing maritime workflows and port operations through advanced data analytics. Their strategic importance lies in enhancing smart maritime and port solutions, aligning with their vision to leverage new technologies for operational efficiency. Turkcell Teknoloji aims to integrate AI and big data to improve decision-making processes in the maritime domain.

The University of Copenhagen, Denmark's oldest and largest academic institution, contributes foundational and practical knowledge in decentralized systems for secure data sharing. In the Optimal-LOADS project, they focus on cryptographic principles for authentication, secure multi-party computations, and differential privacy. The project aligns with the university's strategic goals of advancing research in secure and reliable decentralized systems, expanding their application in the maritime sector, and fostering collaboration with industry partners.

VTEK Information Technologies, a Turkish SME, specializes in maritime system integration and software development. In the Optimal-LOADS project, VTEK acts as a technology provider, terminal operator, and intermediary between ports and IT project partners. They will bring their Marine Integrated Affiliation platform to the national use case and contribute to integration and testing with a Turkish port. VTEK aims to enhance interoperability with international maritime IT providers, exploring new maritime-related products and increasing their visibility in the global market.