Melbourne’s VICT in autolash first

Crane spreader expert Bromma and the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) say they have achieved a world first by integrating the first ever automated lashing platform for twistlock removal at a terminal.

Fully automated: Bromma's ALP does away with the need for manual twistlock removal

Bromma will deliver its first order for six units of Automated Lashing Platforms (ALPs) to the fully automated VICT in Melbourne Australia from August 2016.

The terminal’s Terminal Operating System (TOS) and the ALP will allow all functions on the Neo-Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes to be fully automated.

Peter Rydberg, business line director at Bromma, said: “We are confident that with this revolutionary release of technology, the ALP will seamlessly integrate into VICT’s fully automated container terminal systems and demonstrate the full capability and potential of Bromma’s ALP.”

Manual twistlock handling under the STS cranes during load and discharge operations is one of the areas which until now has proven most difficult to automate.

This groundbreaking ALP invention means human contact for twistlock removal from heavy suspended loads, one of the most dangerous jobs within a container terminal, will be eliminated, optimising workplace safety.

The ALP can handle 20, 40, 45 and twin 20 foot containers. When operating, it efficiently stores the twistlocks and under-deck pins within the unit for discharge and re-use when backloading an entire vessel bay on a 14,000 teu vessel.

The current system is tested and designed as a standalone unit which will sit in the back reach of the STS crane. However, new designs show the potential for the ALP to be fully integrated to form a crane lashing platform.

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