| Written by Mark Buzinkay
Port terminal automation and global trade
The container terminal is a vital link in the global supply chain, and the efficient operation of these terminals is essential to ensure that goods can flow smoothly from the point of origin to the point of destination. Unfortunately, traditional methods of managing and operating these terminals are often inefficient and labour-intensive, leading to bottlenecks and delays.
Automation can help to address these issues by reducing or eliminating the need for manual tasks, thus freeing up workers to handle other tasks that cannot be easily automated. In addition, automated systems can often operate more efficiently and with greater precision than their human counterparts, leading to improved productivity overall.
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Many different types of automation can be used in a container terminal, ranging from automated equipment that loads and unloads containers to more complex systems that track and manage containers' movement throughout the terminal. Whatever type of automation is used, its primary purpose is to improve the efficiency and productivity of container terminals, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of goods around the world.
Early and hidden automation
Automation, such as vessel planning, has been in place for many years and is now computerised in almost all terminals. Other types of automation, like checking container numbers and condition (damage) using cameras and optical character recognition, were once manual functions but are now automatic through technology. However, these background functions are largely invisible to the outside view.
Equipment automation is much more prominent, also because human drivers are either replaced by autonomous robotic systems or have human 'drivers' in a physically remote location from the equipment itself. The latter increases driver safety and comfort but does not replace human drivers with robotics.
Areas of port terminal automation
There are four main functional areas of a container terminal: vessel to quay (ship-to-shore movement), quay to stack (horizontal transfer system), yard stacking system, and in-out gate function. These areas can be automated to varying degrees, but the most commonly automated areas are the quay-to-stack horizontal transfer and the yard stacking system. A fully automated terminal is one in which both the horizontal transfer and the yard stacking system are automated, while a semi-automated terminal is one in which only the yard stacking system is automated. In-out gate automation is another common form of automation at container terminals.
Pros and cons of port terminal automation
There are a number of arguments for automating port terminals. These include greater predictability and consistency of operations, substituting labour costs with capital costs, greater safety for workers, longer working hours, and more accurate cargo handling. Additionally, automated terminals may be more environmentally friendly due to electric-powered equipment and can reduce damage to both terminal infrastructure and shipments. Semi-automated solutions also exist for terminals that do not wish to pursue full automation (read more about PDS and port automation).
Fully automated terminals can provide a high level of stability for port operations, which is crucial for ensuring the competitiveness of ports in the post-COVID-19 era. In addition, automated terminals can significantly reduce various port operational risks that may be caused by human errors, labour strikes, demographic changes, and climate change. Fully automated terminals also have the potential to increase port throughput and improve efficiency while reducing costs. These advantages make fully automated terminals an attractive option for ports looking to improve their operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although port terminal automation can present many advantages and benefits, some potential limitations should be considered. One key concern is the high cost of investment, which can be a significant barrier for many port operators. Additionally, while automated terminals may be able to achieve higher levels of efficiency, they can also lead to higher levels of container handling errors if not properly managed. Eventually, automated terminals still require a certain level of human supervision and intervention in order to function properly. As such, they are only partially independent of human input and may still be subject to some of the same disruptions as traditional port terminals (learn more about smooth container terminal yard operations).
Additionally, automated yard equipment must often be added in large instalments rather than gradually in small increments, sometimes leading to operational hiccups. Because the needs of customers evolve over time, automated processes need more flexibility and make it easier for terminals to keep up with these changes. If activity levels temporarily fall, automated terminals are not able to retrench as easily as manual terminals. Automated terminal processes also may be volatile and change over time, whereas manual terminals are tried and tested. Finally, automation projects carry greater risk and are harder to implement than manual terminal projects. As a result, there are several potential downsides that should be considered before automating a terminal.
Port terminal automation - and now?
Automated port terminals are increasingly becoming more popular due to their many advantages. There are over 50 semi and fully-automated container terminals operational worldwide today. In general, these automated terminals are seen as high-performing and state-of-the-art. However, not all terminals have been successfully automated – in some cases; automated terminals have actually performed worse than manual terminals.
There is still debate about the merits of terminal automation. Some proponents argue that automated terminals can provide better service levels and intensity of asset use. Other sceptics argue that manual terminals can just as easily achieve the same results. The truth probably lies somewhere in between – it depends on the specific situation and context.
What is certain is that smart port technology is advancing rapidly and the take-up is increasing. This trend is likely to continue in the future as automated terminals become more commonplace.
One of the main misconceptions about port terminal automation is that it automatically leads to faster vessel handling speeds. While automation is a powerful tool, it is only solving some challenges. Instead, automation delivers stability, predictability, and consistency of performance. This is arguably much more valuable than faster vessel handling speeds. Another common wrong expectation is that automation automatically mitigates poor processes, but this can't be the case as it only executes poor processes faster. More but invaluable output is waste (muda). So the process itself is what really matters. Therefore, the quality of the terminal management, design, planning and operation is key.
To conclude, port terminal automation might lead to faster vessel handling speeds, but this is only sometimes the case, and it shouldn't be the main focus when implementing automation in the first place.
Takeaway
Vessel handling speeds are not necessarily increased when port terminals are automated. In fact, many factors affect vessel handling speeds, and automation is just one of them. In addition, port terminals must be designed to meet the specific needs of the vessels they serve, and the type of automation used will also play a role in how quickly vessels can be handled. Automating port terminals ultimately aims to improve efficiency and safety, not increase vessel handling speeds (read more about automation and the concept of a sustainable port).
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Sources
Kim, Bokyung, Geunsub Kim, and Moohong Kang. 2022. "Study on Comparing the Performance of Fully Automated Container Terminals during the COVID-19 Pandemic" Sustainability 14, no. 15: 9415. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159415
Neil Davidson (2016): https://wpassets.porttechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/25182832/NEIL.pdf
