01/01/01
Automation and Safety Performance
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Rotterdam’s innovative design includes a process based upon using automated, remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to unload containers from vessels and place them directly onto Lift Automated Guided Vehicles (Lift-AGVs), which can carry two containers at a time, and automatically bring them from the quay to the container yard using an onboard navigation system following a transponder grid. Once the Lift-AGV arrives at its programmed destination, it places the containers into a series of storage racks. APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Rotterdam will operate 37 Battery-powered Lift-AGVs, 87 battery packs and two, robotic Battery Exchange Stations, enabling an automated exchange of the battery pack. In principle, the Battery Lift-AGV is quite similar to the traditional diesel-electric Lift-AGV. In both types the drive system is electric, but the difference lies in the power source. With the diesel-electric Lift-AGV, a diesel engine generates power. With the Battery Lift-AGV, the energy is supplied by a battery pack. The Battery Lift-AGV allows APM Terminals to achieve higher levels of performance while minimizing environmental impact. With diesel-electric Lift-AGVs, the diesel engine produces CO2/NOx/particulate emissions at the terminal. By removing the diesel engines, APM Terminals has removed all local emissions (CO2 / NOx / particulate matter) at the terminal, as well as eliminating diesel engine noise.
When not operating in support of vessel loading or unloading, the system features a “housekeeping” capability that re-stows/restacks containers for easy access for the next vessel load plan. This feature of automated yard optimization of the stack during quiet times allows for better efficiency at peak times. The Lift-AGVs use a battery pack that allows eight hours of driving time. To switch battery packs the Lift-AGVs drive to the Battery Exchange Station and begin a fully automated process in which the Battery Exchange Station completes the procedure through robotic automation.
Once placed in the racks by Lift-AGVs, the containers are moved by Automated Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (ARMGs) which transport the container from the rack to its next designated location; the rail terminal, a waiting truck or another area of the storage yard. The ARMGs use a fully-automated system to safely load/unload a container onto a truck chassis. Truck drivers will park their trucks in designated spots, exit their cab and wait in a secure area, away from the automated loading/unloading process. The current fleet of 26 ARMGs will be supplemented with an addition 22 ARMGs ordered in June 2014.
By separating “man from machine” through the use of automated cranes and procedures, the risks inherent with large machinery moving multi-ton cargoes are greatly reduced, leading to significantly improved terminal safety.
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When not operating in support of vessel loading or unloading, the system features a “housekeeping” capability that re-stows/restacks containers for easy access for the next vessel load plan. This feature of automated yard optimization of the stack during quiet times allows for better efficiency at peak times. The Lift-AGVs use a battery pack that allows eight hours of driving time. To switch battery packs the Lift-AGVs drive to the Battery Exchange Station and begin a fully automated process in which the Battery Exchange Station completes the procedure through robotic automation.
Once placed in the racks by Lift-AGVs, the containers are moved by Automated Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (ARMGs) which transport the container from the rack to its next designated location; the rail terminal, a waiting truck or another area of the storage yard. The ARMGs use a fully-automated system to safely load/unload a container onto a truck chassis. Truck drivers will park their trucks in designated spots, exit their cab and wait in a secure area, away from the automated loading/unloading process. The current fleet of 26 ARMGs will be supplemented with an addition 22 ARMGs ordered in June 2014.
By separating “man from machine” through the use of automated cranes and procedures, the risks inherent with large machinery moving multi-ton cargoes are greatly reduced, leading to significantly improved terminal safety.
Download photo
