Port automation needs a wider focus

Speaking to Port Strategy in an exclusive interview, Solid Port Solutions’ managing director Joost Achterkamp said that although the sector is focusing on large and fast terminals, there are a lot of other smaller terminals that still have a long way to go to get to automation.

The managing director also argued that the industry is focusing too much on deep-sea terminals and “should be looking at the full process”.

“For instance, we have truck appointment systems, but what happens if a truck gets stuck in a queue and you want to change your appointment?” he asked.

“That should be more dynamic with the whole chain.”

Mr Achterkamp added that he believed the ports and terminals sector is moving nearer to having entire systems available to provide drivers of these trucks with information.