MUNICH, Germany, 21 Feb 2025 – To ensure smooth port operations, Romanian operator UMEX relies on a digital twin of its port infrastructure in Constanța. Using the Nemetschek Group’s cloud-based digital twin platform dTwin, a digital replica of the berths, storage areas, and warehouses was created and linked with key figures on productivity, warehouse utilization, operating volume, and loading efficiency as well as real-time information on building structure and energy consumption. This enables the entire ship unloading process to be comprehensively monitored. Energy efficiency and productivity are sustainably increased, which also benefits customers.
Large volumes of goods from neighboring countries are handled via Constanța on the Romanian Black Sea coast. UMEX operates five berths for bulk and liquid goods, bagged cargoes, and general cargoes like steel products, timber, or project cargo. Open spaces, warehouses, and a specialized infrastructure ensure that UMEX can cover its customers’ freight needs.
From BIM model to digital twin
The rise in freight volumes and the need for efficient operations prompted UMEX to improve its loading and unloading processes. UMEX also sought solutions that were not usually available at a standard port terminal.
To get an overview of data-driven metrics such as handling volumes, productivity, warehouse utilization, and loading efficiency, as well as personnel, equipment, and energy costs, the UMEX team had already been using technologies such as monitoring platforms for a specific time and also created BIM models of its warehouses. However, some heterogeneous data was only available on-site or via various online platforms.
dTwin as a “single source of truth”
The company was looking for a solution that would integrate all visualizations of the complex – from BIM models to panoramic images – as well as data from different platforms in a digital twin. Nemetschek partner ALLBIM.NET presented UMEX with the cloud-based SaaS platform dTwin from Nemetschek. This enabled port buildings and infrastructure, such as cranes, to be precisely visualized in 3D in the context of the port environment. Real-time data from IoT sensors was also integrated. This created a digital twin for visual analyses, simulations, and optimizations.
Combining building and system information with real-time data from building operations is key to maximizing the potential of digital twins. As a “single source of truth”, dTwin consolidates the data and provides a comprehensive view of the port facility’s buildings and infrastructure.
“The development of the strategy, the setup, and the fine-tuning of the platform to our needs were carried out in close cooperation with the dTwin team and went smoothly,” says Daniel Nistorescu, project and investment manager at UMEX, praising the support provided by the dTwin team.
The platform provides management with a picture of the operating process in order to improve energy efficiency and productivity. Anomalies and deviations are visualized at a glance using heat maps.
“With dTwin, we can analyze running costs almost in real time. This makes it possible to optimize solutions and tariffs for our customers so that they can optimally discharge or load their cargo,” adds Cristian Taranu, general manager of UMEX.
UMEX Integration with the Digital Twin Ready in Short Time
Using the existing BIM model and IoT systems of the plant, UMEX developed an operational digital twin in just one week. The platform’s adjustments and refinements took an additional two months.
“Together with the UMEX team, we were able to develop tailor-made solutions in dTwin that directly address the specific challenges of our customer,” says Dr. Jimmy Abualdenien, head of digital twin product at the Nemetschek Group.
UMEX is currently working on integrating port cranes and scaling up to other terminals. The platform can be adapted and expanded to include additional sensors and systems. Management and departments benefit from real-time information on the productivity of depots and facilities. This increases competence and helps to optimize processes. This makes the dTwin a real game-changer in the port.
Source: Nemetschek Group
About Nemetschek Group
Nemetschek Group, founded in 1963 by Prof. Georg Nemetschek, is a German software company headquartered in Munich. Specializing in solutions for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AEC/O) industries, as well as the media and entertainment sectors, the company offers a suite of tools that cover the entire lifecycle of building and infrastructure projects – from planning and design to construction and management. Nemetschek’s software creates 3D animations and visual effects for films, TV shows, and video games. As of 2022, the company reported revenues of €801.8 million and employed approximately 3,448 people. With over six million users across 142 countries, Nemetschek continues to drive digital transformation and innovation in its served industries.
