Marivation wins MCN Cup: SmartKai revolutionizes port logistics!

Marivation wins MCN Cup: SmartKai revolutionizes port logistics!

Last Sunday, November 18, 2025, a big step for the maritime industry was once again celebrated in Bremen. The MCN Cup 2025 was awarded, a competition run by the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN), which honors the best innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime sector. The popular event, which has taken place every two years since 2025, is aimed at companies that offer pioneering products in four different categories.

In the “Product – Outstanding Solution for the Maritime Market” category, the prize went to Marivation, a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Their solution, SmartKai, is an intelligent docking aid for ships and impressed the jury with its high level of innovation and clear benefits for shipping and port logistics. DLR emphasizes that the product meets all requirements: it is already available or is in trial operation and shows particular technological and sustainable relevance.

A competition of ideas

The MCN Cup aims to promote innovation in the maritime sector and advance the transformation process in the industry. The event is supported by the five coastal federal states of Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Every time the competition takes place, ecological as well as economically and socially sustainable solutions are recognized. The expert jury and the audience have the opportunity to make ideas and technologies visible that can be further developed until the next competition.

As the maritime industry continues to face challenges in adopting innovative technologies, such as the shift to cleaner fuels and smarter ship design, Marivation has already taken an important pioneering step through SmartKai. Despite the progress, the industry remains confronted with hurdles: high investment costs, difficult changes and development-related setbacks are slowing down progress. Ship Universe reports that the implementation of alternative propulsion systems, such as hydrogen and electrically powered ships, also requires time and extensive investments.

Technological potential and challenges

The maritime industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon emissions due to stricter regulations and increasing public awareness. However, the transition to alternative technologies often presents more challenges than solutions. This not only puts companies to the test, but also requires new approaches to logistics and technical operations. Innovative solutions like SmartKai offer hope here and show how important creative approaches are in port logistics.

With a focus on technological change, the MCN Cup has the potential to not only showcase solutions, but also act as a catalyst that takes maritime technologies to the next level. The visibility of ideas and the promotion of creative exchange are crucial to successfully meeting the challenges of the future and achieving sustainable progress.