Welcome to this month’s special edition of PTI’s journal where we will embark on a journey through the ever-evolving realm of container terminal automation. We are honoured to present this issue to mark the celebration of our Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC), coming for the first time to North America after a successful seven-year run in Europe!

The maritime industry has experienced a seismic transformation, and we are on the brink of a new era driven by technological innovation. Terminal automation enhances efficiency, cuts costs, and benefits both port operators and global trade networks. It also contributes to environmental relief by reducing congestion, emissions, and pollution at ports, promoting sustainability. However, achieving full automation presents challenges such as safety concerns and high initial costs. Embracing automation should be a carefully considered decision based on the specific needs and conditions of each port.

We hope this collection serves as a useful guide for all stakeholders in the ports and terminals industry, offering inspiration through remarkable advancements and insightful perspectives that define container terminal automation.