OCR technology cuts emissions

The Órbita CraneOCR system automates freight container identification and damage inspection during loading and unloading and it aims to eliminate mistakes in the container handling operation.

And this has a knock on effect with fuel and cost savings and emissions too.

Francisco Grau Cavanillas, Ports and Terminals, Órbita Ingeniería, said to GreenPort: “We think that no mistakes mean faster crane and truck operations, less waiting time for the trucks, less unnecessary trips to and from the terminal and of course less crane operation time so this will have an impact on emissions in the container supply chain.”

The technology provides real time ISO code recognition for 20ft, 40ft, 45ft and twin 20ft containers as they are moved to and from multiple lanes under and behind ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes.

The prototype and tests were conducted during late 2012 and the beginning of 2013 and there is an operational crane kitted out with the technology in full operation at the Port of Valencia.

Mr Cavanillas said to GP that consequently the technology is starting to receive interest from major operators, both Spanish and international.