A pilot leaves the ship – Holger Schütt retires

"You can simulate everything, but ..."

After more than 35 years full of ideas, projects, travels and encounters, our founder and managing director Prof. Dr. Holger Schütt is now setting course for the next phase of his life: retirement.

Author: Norbert Klettner, AKQUINET

"Take care, we'll stay in touch!"

Some colleagues shape a company in a special way, not only professionally, but also personally – Holger Schütt is just such a person. After more than 35 years full of ideas, projects, travels and encounters, he is now setting course for the next phase of his life: retirement. On March 31, 2025, his time as founder and managing director of akquinet port consulting GmbH will end – but certainly not his role as a sought-after expert, discussion partner and source of inspiration in the world of terminal logistics.

We don't say goodbye forever, but rather: "Take care, we'll stay in touch!". Because as we know Holger, he will continue to follow the developments in the industry with a watchful eye from the distance – certainly no longer every day with Excel and emulation data, but certainly with a glass of wine in his hand and a lot of interest in what is to come.

From digital pioneer to leading figure in terminal simulation

When Holger entered the world of container logistics in the early 1990s after studying mathematics, digitization was a tender plan t – if at all. Handwritten cards and pegboards shaped everyday life at the terminals. With a great deal of foresight and a pioneering technical spirit, Holger consistently drove the digital transformation forward – from the first digital tool in the process like simulations to fully automated terminal processes.

He recognized the potential of simulation technology early on. Even before "Digital Twin" was on everyone's lips, Holger developed simulation models that could be used to visualize, test and optimize complex terminal processes. One of the most significant milestones was the simulation and emulation of the Hamburg terminal Altenwerder – a lighthouse project that set standards.

CHESSCON: From tool to global solution

After working at the Institute of Shipping and Logistics (ISL), Holger with his team laid the foundation for an internationally recognized solution for the simulation, emulation and digital planning of container terminals with founding of ISL Applications GmbH and the development of the CHESSCON software platform. Today, CHESSCON is in use worldwide – from Europe to Africa and South Korea – and supports terminal operators in the planning, optimization and commissioning of their terminals. Holger's signature has always remained palpable: well thought-out, practical, solution- and people-oriented.

A particular highlight of his (later) career was supporting the commissioning of the first fully automated terminal in South Korea – a project in which Holger made a decisive contribution to the successful implementation with his wealth of experience and his always relaxed but clear approach. Same time he already involved the team to also pass on the knowledge and insides.

Fachmann, Mentor, Weltenbummler

Holger was never just the technology expert. He was a mentor, colleague, guide and networker. Countless students and junior staff owe him their first successful project or inspiring supervision during their final thesis. His calm, matter-of-fact manner paired with North German humour made him a valued contact person – whether in a major project or over a coffee in the kitchen.

A typical Holger moment?

Colleague Anja remembers:

"After an intensive training session at PSA in Singapore, we wanted to enjoy the view from Marina Bay Sands. 35 dollars admission? Not with Holger. Instead, he charmingly persuaded the concierge to let us into the rooftop bar one floor higher – without any admission. There he sat, satisfied with a Singapore Sling in his hand, grinned at me and asked dryly: 'Who actually orders a beer in such a bar?' – Well, I do."

A pragmatic attitude and a sense of what is feasible

In addition to his expertise, Holger leaves his mark on the minds and hearts of his colleagues. His pragmatic attitude, his sense of what is feasible and his famous saying: "Yes, you can simulate everything – whether it makes sense and is realistic is another question" will certainly accompany us for a long time to come. This saying by Holger shows that he has always approached the topics pragmatically and has a feeling for what is feasible.

We say thank you for your tireless efforts, Holger! For your humor, your view of the big picture and the details and of the people. We wish you a fulfilling time with your family, especially with the grandchildren, and many inspiring journeys.

Your team of akquinet port consulting GmbH