Portwise at ICTC 2026: Strengthening resilient and futureproof intermodal terminals
Intermodal terminals and inland ports are increasingly central to the resilience of European supply chains. Rising volumes, volatile cargo flows, growing sustainability requirements, and tighter integration with road and rail are redefining how intermodal terminals are designed and operated.
On 3 and 4 March 2026, these challenges will be addressed at the Intermodal Container Terminal Conference (ICTC) in Düsseldorf. Portwise will be attending ICTC 2026, with Pim van Leeuwen and Remmelt Thijs contributing to the programme and engaging with terminal operators and industry peers.
A conference designed for intermodal terminals
ICTC positions itself clearly as a conference built for intermodal terminal operators. The single-stream format ensures that all delegates share the same discussions, case studies, and insights, enabling focused debate and a common understanding of the sector’s most pressing challenges.
According to the conference agenda, ICTC 2026 will bring together more than 170 industry leaders across two days, with keynotes, panels, and practical sessions focused on operational reality rather than abstract concepts . Extended networking breaks and dedicated discussion moments further support collaboration between operators, technology providers, and logistics partners.
Key themes aligned with Portwise practice
The ICTC 2026 agenda reflects a strong emphasis on realism, resilience, and operational maturity. Core themes include smarter operations, automation and digital integration, collaboration across modes, cybersecurity and risk, and decarbonisation of terminal operations .
These themes closely mirror the challenges Portwise encounters in its consulting and simulation work for intermodal terminals worldwide. Rather than focusing on technology alone, the programme highlights the importance of organisational readiness, phased implementation, and robust operational design.
Portwise contributions to the programme
Portwise will contribute to two sessions on Day 1 of the conference, both directly addressing real-world challenges faced by intermodal terminals today.
Risk and Resilience: Readying your Operation for Volatility
In this panel session, Remmelt Thijs, Senior Project Manager at Portwise, will join industry peers to discuss how intermodal terminals can better anticipate and manage volatile cargo flows driven by market shifts, disruption, and unreliable container traffic. The discussion focuses on realistic expectations of technology, smarter operational strategies, and targeted interventions that improve resilience under uncertainty .
Electrification Challenges for Intermodal Sites
Later that day, Pim van Leeuwen, Project Manager at Portwise, will present on the practical challenges associated with electrifying intermodal terminals. This session addresses a topic that is increasingly relevant as terminals seek to decarbonise operations while maintaining performance and reliability. The focus is on practical constraints, infrastructure implications, and operational trade-offs rather than aspirational targets alone .
These sessions reflect Portwise’s belief that futureproof terminals are built through informed, realistic decisions grounded in operational understanding and validated analysis.
Looking ahead
ICTC 2026 provides an important platform for intermodal terminal operators to exchange experiences, challenge assumptions, and collectively shape the future of inland and intermodal terminals. For Portwise, the conference aligns closely with our mission to support smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable logistics through modelling, simulation, and expert consulting.
We look forward to engaging with terminal operators, partners, and peers in Düsseldorf, and to continuing the conversation on how intermodal terminals can strengthen resilience, improve performance, and prepare for an increasingly complex operating environment.
If you are attending ICTC 2026 and would like to connect with Pim or Remmelt during the event, please feel free to reach out.