Kalmar to Automate Belfast Terminal

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Kalmar, a part of Cargotec Corporation, has secured a deal with Belfast Container Terminal to supply a complete AutoRTG system.

According to a statement, the system consists of eight automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes (AutoRTGs) that will be controlled by the Kalmar Terminal Logistic System (TLS).

BCT is the largest container terminal in Northern Ireland and is operated under concession by Irish Continental Group.

As a part of Belfast Harbour, which handles approximately 70% of Northern Ireland's seaborne trade and 20% of the trade for Ireland as a whole, the terminal is an integral maritime gateway.

View Kalmar's automated solutions for ports and terminals in PTI's Supplier Directory

The AutoRTG system is scheduled to begin delivery by the end of 2019 and will replace the manually operated rail-mounted gantry crane (RMG) system currently in use at the terminal.

The cranes at BCT will operate fully automated within the container stack, receiving orders from the Kalmar TLS, while crane gantry operation will be automated with supervision.

In addition to this, truck handling operations will be remote controlled and leverage a truck positioning system to ensure accurate alignment of trucks under the RTGs.

 

Shipping Cranes at Belfast Container Terminal 

 

Trevor Anderson, Operations Director at Belfast Harbour, commented: “The Kalmar AutoRTG system will provide significant benefits in terms of maximising both the safety and efficiency of operations.

“Kalmar's proven track record in complex port automation projects and their experience with AutoRTGs convinced us that they were the right choice. Their technical solution perfectly matched the needs of the terminal.”

Kalmar experts discuss how automated-RTG's may be suitable for terminals currently using gantry cranes in a recent Port Technology technical paper

Ilkka Annala, Vice President of Intelligent Crane Solutions at Kalmar, added: “The Kalmar AutoRTG system allows terminals of all sizes to reap the rewards of greater operational efficiencies, a safer working environment and better predictability in their day-to-day operations.

“We have supported BCT with equipment maintenance services for several years already, so we are delighted that BHC have chosen to partner with Kalmar as they begin their automation journey.”

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