Mobile crane OCR drives port automation

The solution automatically records container codes, ISO codes, terminal truck (TT) IDs, move types and damage imagery during loading and unloading, improving operational transparency and ensuring uninterrupted data availability.

“The ability to capture the TT ID proved to be extremely beneficial for our customers, as the next task to the TT operator can now be dispatched faster than before,” said Dave Walraven, chief commercial officer at Certus.

Data capture

The system transmits OCR results and equipment identification directly to the Terminal Operating System while simultaneously uploading event data to the Certus Cloud Portal, enabling on demand historical performance analysis and operational insights for operators.

Integration of AI-powered video processing enables the crane OCR technology to recognise container markings reliably under challenging operating conditions, including poor lighting, adverse weather and irregular container positioning.This ensures consistent performance and operational continuity for mobile harbour crane activities.

Deployment has also been simplified, with minimal system dependencies and no requirement for integration with mobile harbour crane PLC systems. Initial operational results are available within one day through the Certus Cloud Portal.

Through predictive maintenance and continuous monitoring of cameras, sensors and system components, the platform supports proactive fault detection, helping terminals advance port automation strategies while strengthening data-driven port digitalisation at the quay.

Certus has built quite a name for itself in the field of gate automation and OCR technology.

It has equipped 17 existing and ten new STS cranes with OCR technology at the Port of Salalah Container Terminal; installed a comprehensive automated gate solution at Pasha Hawaii, which also uses the Crane OCR solutions on five STS cranes and supplied an automated gate system to Ferrovalle, an intermodal terminal in the Valley of Mexico City.

In addition, working with Eimskip Iceland, Certus has implemented gate automation and STS crane OCR at the operator’s terminal in Sundahofn. This has resulted in the terminal expanding from a single lane to two lanes ‘in’ and two lanes ‘out’, cutting time spent at the gate by half.