APMT’s ‘terminal by module’ vision

Speaking on a panel devoted to ‘Robotics & Automation in Container Terminals’ Alex Duca stressed the importance of integrated automation and information sharing across every aspect of terminal cargo handling to make operations safer and better.

“The biggest business opportunity is in retrofitting existing terminals with the automation of key processes to enhance our current operational performance,” said Mr Duca.

“This is where you can evaluate some of the specific modules within a container terminal to see which processes can be improved through automation,” he added.

With larger vessels entering into service, as well as the organic growth of global trade, pressure on terminal operations to avoid congestion during peak cargo-handling periods has become an increasingly important aspect of future operations planning.

Container volume handled by the world’s ports is projected to reach approximately 720m teu this year, roughly double the global container volume of just 13 years ago.

Physical constraints on the number of cranes which can work any particular vessel, even one as large as 20,000teu capacity, and the need to transport containers without congestion or increased safety risks are driving the next phase of terminal design, development and operations.

“Terminals need to keep pace with volume growth and vessel growth, and the clear solution is integrated automation of terminal operations processes,” concluded Mr Duca.