In the final part of this three paper series I will focus on the main differences between the current semi and fully automated container terminal and the New Generation Integrated Container Terminal.
The general objective in designing a terminal is in principle the same for each operator, namely:
A maximal stack capacity, maintaining utmost efficiency and flexibility in order to achieve the highest performance and service level for clients against a minimum on investment and operational costs
Despite this general objective, there is a huge variety in terminals all over the world, and almost every terminal is unique. Yet there are two main principles when designing a terminal to choose from: should the stack layout be perpendicular or parallel to the quay (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively).
Present situation
At present, for newly built fully automated terminals, a layout with a stack orientation perpendicular to the quay seems to be the standard (Figure 1). Yet how this will develop in the next few years is difficult to predict because this configuration does not bring about the revolution in terminal productivity which is often called for to handle the capacities coming from mega-ships…
A New Concept in Handling Mega-Ships: Part I
