Author’s note: Forward-thinking port operators have realized the compelling economic advantages that autonomy can deliver, and have sought to implement this equipment to achieve marked gains in efficiency, safety, and cost savings. Wireless communications will be a critical component of enabling port-wide autonomy. Unfortunately, and in too many cases, port operators have turned to the only wireless technology they know –Wi-Fi- to help them in their move to autonomy. This paper details why achieving port-wide autonomy requires capabilities that are beyond Wi-Fi and LTE’s reach, and what operators really need in a wireless infrastructure to effectively enable autonomous operations port-wide.
Autonomous technology is poised to change the face of the maritime industry, and at many port gateways, this transformation is already beginning to take place. Over the past several years, major port equipment manufacturers have focused their attention on developing autonomous systems to support the more efficient and cost-effective movement of goods in, out, and across the port side – from automated ship-to-shore (STS) and rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes to self-driving terminal tractors…
