Automation and Optimisation

The latest research progress in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps autonomous driving technology become more and more applicable in daily life and industry scenarios. The robotaxi and the autonomous trucking systems are built mainly based on vehicle onboard sensors and computing units. As the operation domain on public roads involves large-scale scenarios regarding locations and objects, an intelligent vehicle must be able to make its decision with its own perception and localisation inputs.

Digital twins are one the fastest growing concepts in the container handling industry, especially with the growth of complementary technologies such as IoT and cloud. The virtual 3D replica of a terminal gives you complete visibility of the terminal environment, its equipment, container inventory and much more.

At PTI’s Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) North America in November 2023, Matthew Wittemeier, representing INFORM, discussed his perspective on container terminal optimisation. With over 25 years of experience, INFORM emphasizes proven technological solutions tailored to diverse end-user requirements. Their insights shed light on the role of AI and optimisation in shaping the future of automation in port operations.

The world is in the middle of the electric revolution. The change from fossil fuel-driven machines to electric-driven has affected almost all industries in one way or another. As always with new technology, it brings new and exciting possibilities, but it also comes with the risk of misunderstandings, insecurity, and even fear, as new technology like electrified vehicles and machines replace old well-known diesel-driven alternatives.

In the dynamic realm of port development, the Port of Halifax emerges as a beacon of innovation and efficiency. Following the success of Port Technology International's Smart Digital Ports of the Future (SDP) Conference in North America last year, this Q&A with Mike Davie, Vice President of Operations & Technology at the Halifax Port Authority, unveils the port's transformative initiatives.

How can the integration of digital technologies revolutionise operations and propel ports towards a more streamlined and resilient future? Exploring the transformative potential of digitalisation, PTI delved into the prospects of enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability at the Port of Tyne during the Maritime Innovation Week in November 2023, hosted at the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub in the North East and at the BT Tower in central London.

In the wake of Port Technology International's Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) North America 2023, this Q&A delves into the forefront of port development, specifically focusing on connectivity. Here, we illuminate the seamless integration of Nokia's digitalisation solutions into the evolution of conventional port operations.

In this interview, we explore how the Port of Virginia is actively adopting technology to elevate efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

Today, most container terminals worldwide still have a fully manual operation for the yard, quay and transport. However, labour shortages and environmental considerations have made automation increasingly attractive. Container terminals would also like to increase their capacity and efficiency on the existing footprint. This means operators are looking into automation to increase their throughput capacity and to be less affected by labour shortages.

As the maritime industry adapts to the era of automation, the horizontal transport component of port operations becomes a focal point. Efficient container handling is crucial for port operations and development, yet the complexity of both quayside and landside operations presents unique challenges for automation.

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are a proven automated transport system for container terminals. Since the introduction in 1993 at ECT in the Port of Rotterdam, AGVs have been used at more than 10 sites across the world. Currently, AGVs are there with the most successful automated transport system in container terminals. AGVs are reliable and can support high Quay Crane (QC) productivity In addition, battery AGVs have been available since 2012, supporting zero-emission terminals.