**5.2 Port interaction**

Cooperation with cranes and other facilities in the port area provides plenty of potential for operational optimisation. Since the infrastructure is costly and frequently the landside rail operation forms a bottleneck, this optimisation can vastly improve the overall performance of the port.

In many cases, port rail operation comprises reversing of the freight train, for example, onto a dock track. In this case, the intra-train Wi-Fi mesh network can transfer real-time video and sensor data from a mobile device temporarily attached to the unmanned end of the train. This enables a single person to safely perform reversing operations.

In many ports, a train consist is broken down into small groups of wagons, with distances introduced between these groups to allow for the passing of container carriers. Using the local control and shunting drive, the related uncoupling and motion can be achieved by the wagons autonomously, speeding up preparation for loading.

Using industry 4.0-style self-organisation, container cranes and wagons can communicate on the sequence of containers to be loaded and adjust the trunnions according to the wagons' trunnions.

After loading, the train can be formed again quickly using the assisted brake test, while communicating with the container carriers and other automated vehicles in the harbour. The train can leave almost immediately, thanks to the assisted brake test and train formation. The cycle of operations is illustrated in **Figure 10**.
