PSA COLLABORATES ON AGV MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

In a joint-venture with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), a new management system for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) is being developed that will ensure containers are moved with a high degree of efficiency and security in the facility.

This system is clearly going to be needed, on the basis of Tuas Port ultimately developing handling capacity up to 65 million TEU per annum and being designed to service the largest ships in service of beyond 450m in length.

Singapore already utilises AGVs in its automated yard throughout much of the port, but the proposed new technology and system will represent a more environmentally-friendly alternative to the use of diesel power, with carbon emissions expected to be reduced by up to 50 per cent.

In the new venture, PSA Singapore is going to provide the simulation platform to carry out the proof of concept, allowing its domain knowledge in the development and operation of the existing AGV fleet management system to provide the foundations of the new approach.

This enables A*STAR’s IHPC to contribute its expertise in advanced high-performance computing technologies and algorithms to provide accelerated solutions for large-scale fleet management of AGVs.

PSA Singapore has stated that it will apply the smart solutions to fleet management systems as operations in Tuas Port gradually scale up. In late 2021, it stated that Phase I reclamation works are complete and the focus is now on preparation for the forthcoming opening of the first two berths.

Ong Kim Pong, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, explains the anticipated benefits of the new venture: “This collaboration will bring us closer to our vision of developing an intelligent, resilient and sustainable port of the future,” he underlines.