Belfast Harbour has received nearly £400k from the UK Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to trial autonomous technology at its Victoria Terminal 3.
The initiative, a UK first, will retrofit Terminal Tractors (TT) with autonomous software and hardware, aiming to optimise port equipment efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are excited to launch this initiative, addressing critical inefficiencies in traditional TT operations,” said Laura O’Neill, digital transformation manager at Belfast Harbour.
”This project is part of our commitment to building a sustainable future and enhancing our ESG credentials by helping partners tackle Scope 3 emissions.”
Automation benefits
The project, conducted in partnership with Aidrivers Ltd and BCT Ltd, will explore how autonomous TT operations can improve fuel efficiency by up to 30%, enhance safety and reduce idle time.
This innovative approach also seeks to demonstrate the scalability and cost-effectiveness of autonomous solutions for smaller ports, setting a benchmark for global adoption.
Sadaf Ghani, chief marketing communication officer at Aidrivers Ltd, added: “This project aims to establish the UK as a leader in autonomous port technologies, showcasing the potential for these solutions to redefine global port operations.”
Part of the Department for Transport’s UK SHORE initiative, the study contributes to decarbonising maritime operations and enhancing supply chain resilience.
The aim is that in future the autonomous technology could serve as a model for regional and international ports, driving further sustainable progress in port logistics and operations.
