Say hello and wave goodbye

A hello and goodbye can prove more challenging than you may think in landside terminal operations.

Cargo transportation faces similar problems. With greater trucks cycling through a terminal, cargo has to be moved expeditiously while operating safely, securely and in compliance with all applicable regulations. Modern terminal gate systems – recently the subject of significant innovation – can play an important part in achieving this. They have a role to play in easing queues and general traffic congestion with automation playing a big part in this.

A TECHNOLOGICAL LIFELINE
The gate systems supply sector has been busy trying to keep up with the latest requirements of terminal operators across a broad range of criteria.

John Lund, Senior Agent, Americas, Visy Oy, explains that safety is a key benefit for its customers. “Between trucks and container handling equipment (“CHE”) movements, port staff are inherently in a dangerous setting. Through gate automation, we streamline processes and take people out of harm’s way,” he explained, adding, “For example, by implementing a gate operating system (GOS) with optical character recognition (OCR) and driver kiosks, we can move gate staff to remote viewing stations. In these operations, gate staff remotely work on gate transactions. They don’t need to be in the truck lanes at all, which is where accidents are most likely to happen. The effect of implementing a modern GOS is that cargo moves faster, and terminal staff will stay safe.”

With regard to keeping cargo moving Lund says that there are many great tools available to help terminal gates accomplish this “Using OCR to automatically identify licence plates and cargo units will increase the number of gate transactions that a facility can handle without increasing the number of traffic lanes or adding more staff. Driver kiosks are also a great way to cut time from every gate transaction and therefore increase throughput capacity. Truck drivers can perform gate transactions on a simple, automated, computer, like the check-in process at an airport. We help our customers do the most they can with the space that’s available.”

GATE SERVICES IN PLAY
Faster container handling and lower waiting times can be boosted by port gate services. APM Terminals offers a number of initiatives and technological innovations that achieve these two aims. For example, containers can be delivered at an APM Terminal gate, where all Verified Gross Mass (VGM) handling is taken care of. Weighing and submission requirements are handled, with the relevant VGM data submitted.

Another notable innovation at APM Terminals is Early Gate- In, which allows customers to deliver containers to Maasvlakte II at any time they choose. This can save costs for the customer, which makes it such an attractive proposition. If part of the customer’s delivery was taken to an inland storage depot prior to arrival at the port, this results in extra transport and storage costs – not to mention the extra inconvenience of having to plan separate
shipments.

Reduction in turn times is one of the benefits of Advent Intermodal Solutions’ eModal PreGate appointment module. This is used by Everport Terminal Services Tacoma (the operator of Pierce County Terminal, a 140-acre container terminal in Tacoma, Washington).

As well as lower turn times, the module boosts gate efficiency and cargo velocity. It provides the Port with crucial advance data with respect to transaction appointments, dispatch information, appointment window lengths and
periods of grace. What the module does is to collate the information in advance, which then allows the terminal to plan for forthcoming cargo arrivals.

BENEFITS OF OCR
Using OCR technology can considerably benefit container terminal gates. “Simply put, OCR saves time and money on every gate transaction,” explains John Lund.

“By automatically collecting data such as container ID’s, licence plates and chassis numbers with OCR and sharing that data with third party systems such as a terminal operating system (“TOS”), OCR systems keep those assets moving through operations. OCR systems will verify asset IDs faster, more accurately, and more consistently than clerks. Speed, accuracy and consistency are the fundamental metrics used to measure gate operations and OCR improves all three.”

The Orbita range of Gate-related systems covers a wide spectrum of benefits for ports. Identification is a crucial aspect of the Orbita GateCCR system, which allows users to instantly identify ISO containers as they are driven through a controlled access point. The system includes a licence plate reader and a video capture facility.

TERMINAL GATE SYSTEMS
A useful element of container handling is to spot any potential damage to the container, and that’s where Orbita’s Automatic Damage Inspection System comes in. It is available for use in conjunction with the GateCCR and GateOS products. Any damaged areas are reported, with the relevant data (including the location of the damage) relayed in real time.

GATE AUTOMATION
One of the most notable trends is container terminal gate automation. The Orbita GateOS is a gate operating system that is designed for real-time remote management and automated operations. The required information from vehicle admission and exit is then shared with a terminal’s TOS via any orthodox communication routes such as XML interfaces or WebServices. This system does not need an operator at the scene, so saves the port money and, additionally, it can improve performance levels thanks to centralised control of all gate events.

In July 2019, PD Ports in the UK announced that all traffic coming in and out of Teesport would be able to do so via a new automated gate infrastructure. Working in conjunction with automation solutions provider, CAMCO, PD Ports introduced a new interface to ensure swift, efficient entrance and exit for trucking.

Hot trends include Artificial Intelligence

One of the hottest trends with respect to gate automation is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially deep learning. “With AI, we can extract more data out of OCR images and therefore provide managers with even more real-time, operational data,” says John Lund.

“For example, our Visy AREA systems uses commercial CCTV systems to track and trace cargo units and vehicles as they move through the port/terminal environment. We can then update third party systems in real time as to when they should expect transactions to happen (such as at the interchange) and then update staff when the asset is in place and ready to be serviced. This allows operators to better manage asset utilization and ultimately save time and money on every transaction.”

Mr Lund adds that another trend is Visy’s new product called “TopView.”

“It places OCR cameras on spreaders therefore turning every spreader into a data collection point. Essentially, it makes the spreader, “smart.” The spreader is the one piece of equipment that touches every box on the terminal. By giving the spreader a set of “eyes” and a “brain,” the spreader knows which box it’s moving and even keeps a photo history of its transactions.”

With some basic system integration, this will even prevent wrong moves and continually verify stack integrity.

“TopView can be used on any spreader on any type of CHE,” explains Mr Lund, adding, “This includes STS cranes, RTG’s, mobile harbour cranes, reach stackers and straddle carriers. TopView is one of the most cost-efficient ways for terminals to invest in basic automation.”