ABB secures DP World project

The first phase will add a 1.3m TEU capacity to the new Terminal 4 by 2018, including 13 ship to shore (STS) cranes and 35 automatic stacking cranes (ASC) – all equipped with automation and remote control solutions from ABB.

Fred Hoonaard, group vice president of ABB Ports, said: “DP World’s new concept of placing the control room within the port area but outside the terminal with increased distance between the cranes and the control room, are what we see as the next level in remote operation.”

He continued: “This concept simplifies the security procedures for crane operators since they can reach their control stations without going through security control required for entering the terminal.”

The operation will be similar to that of Terminal 3 which commenced operations last year with 50 Automated Rail Mounted Gantries (ARMG). The difference will be that in Terminal 4 all STS and stacking cranes will be operated from a control room located away from the quay of the terminal.

“Investments in state-of-the art automation systems and remote control in our terminals together with increasing capacity reinforces Jebel Ali’s position as a leading trade hub and gateway of the whole region,” said Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director of DP World’s UAE region.

“With the concepts and technologies we have chosen to deploy, we are building facilities that meet the requirements of our customers and their new mega ships.”

Communication between the terminal and the control room is compliant with safety classified communication requirements and will aim to ensure that the crane operator is able to perform real-time and time critical process control functions at all times.

Mr Al Muallem concluded: “We are building capacity to accommodate more of the world’s largest container ships at one time, and to improve the efficiency of the region’s supply chain.”

After the completion of the project, the port’s total capacity will by 22.1m TEU.