DP World Southampton has expanded its partnership with Goodyear DrivePoint Heavy Duty to install the advanced tyre pressure measurement systems across its port operations, covering a fleet of more than 80 straddle carriers.
DP World has been working with Goodyear for 20 years, and the alliance has evolved from employing Goodyear’s specialised port tyres to a full-service cooperation involving the company’s technologies.
Goodyear DrivePoint Heavy Duty is a drive-past tyre examination device that measures tyre pressures both automatically and dynamically.
The drive-past technology removes the need for physical tyre pressure checks, freeing up port staff to focus on other operational priorities. Goodyear DrivePoint Heavy Duty is built around tough hardware and simple mobile and web apps.
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It is based on technology proved by Goodyear’s worldwide commercial vehicle sector fleets, but has been scaled up and modified for use on bigger container handling machinery like the straddle carriers at DP World Southampton.
As the equipment drives past, receivers read and analyse data from specialised heavy duty tyre pressure sensors.
Martin Ranger, Managing Director at Goodyear service partner, Pro Support Services Limited, explained: “Over the years DP World has stayed in tune with the tyre industry’s latest innovations by using Goodyear’s latest products and technical innovations.
“We fit Goodyear EV-4M tyres, proven to provide an excellent return on investment for DP World thanks to improved tread wear and increased comfort compared to previous generation tyres.
“Following a test period, we have rolled out the Goodyear DrivePoint HD solution across the fleet. Through Goodyear mobile and web platforms, our experts can remotely manage tyre pressures, allowing staff to be more productive.
“This not only ensures that tyre pressures are optimised, but it also improves vehicle stability. We have a great triangular relationship between Goodyear, Pro Support Services Limited and DP World who work closely to ensure that we deliver the best products, technology, and support to manage the customer’s investments.”
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Paul Bould, Off-The-Road Sales Manager Goodyear UK, added: “The container handling industry is a time-critical and cost-sensitive industry.
“Goodyear DrivePoint Heavy Duty has been proven to reduce the number of hours spent on checking tyres thanks to our automated solutions. This trial with DP World shows there is an extension of tyre service life, and a reduction in the amount of time spent stopping for tyre pressure checking.
“The priority for port operators is to achieve the highest level of safety while increasing uptime and efficiency. DrivePoint Heavy Duty allows them to do this, while also lowering operating costs.”
In August 2023, DP World announced plans to add around 3 million TEU of new container handling capacity by the end of the year.
