(With videos) The APM and RWG container terminals of Maasvlakte II (MVII) in Rotterdam use some of the most advanced technology currently in existence. An overview.
This mostly concerns automated Terminal Operating Systems, aimed at planning and handling data and containers as efficiently as possible (Navis) and Simulation/Serious Gaming (TBA) to programme the technical operational system to work fluently. Shipping lines, for instance, also use Operation Systems, such as Ship Stowage Plans, but a modern, automated and robotized Terminal Operation and Ship-to-Shore (STS) remotely controlled Quay Crane Operation are much more complex.
This article by SWZ Maritime editor Hugo Dill gives an overview of these advanced terminal technologies. An article that serves as a follow-up of “The Smartest Port”.
Navis’ Terminal Operating Systems
Navis provides the global technology standard for managing the movement of cargo through terminals. The Navis Terminal Operating System (TOS) helps container, intermodal rail and shipping line terminal operators increase capacity and optimize operations to increase efficiency, lower costs and improve productivity.
APM Terminals’ new state-of-the-art facility Maasvlakte II has selected Navis SPARCS N4 as its terminal operating system (TOS) of record. As part of the massive development project, APM Terminals Maasvlakte II now uses SPARCS N4 to support critical operational productivity and efficiency with real-time execution systems at the terminal.
The RWG terminal also uses Navis’ TOS and was nominated for one of the Navis Inspire Awards 2015. The goal of these awards is to put terminals that use the TOS in the spotlights. See www.rwg.nl (in Dutch).
APMT MVII
A futuristic video outlines APMT’s goal of becoming the world’s leading container terminal, showing the official start of MVII’s operations. Nils Anderson, CEO of Maersk, said: ‘This terminal is filled up with modern technology, new thinking, and innovation, which will make it the most advanced container terminal in the world.’
Construction began in May 2012, with the first commercial vessel call in December, 2014. Successful systems testing and ramp-up have been completed to bring the first phase of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II into full operational status.
The terminal will have annual throughput capacity of 2.7 million TEU, which will represent an APMT investment of around US$542m. However, this annual figure will increase to 4.5 million TEU at planned full build-out and will cover 180 ha of land and offer 2,800 metres of deep-sea quay.
See the videos about APMT at MVII below.
Grand Opening APMT
The opening ceremony for the most technically-advanced terminal in Europe was attended by port and shipping royalty, as well as an actual monarch: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. The ceremony took place Friday 24 April.
The videos below video by APM Terminals and Navis show the opening ceremony of the Maasvlakte II (MVII) container terminal at the Port of Rotterdam.
Zero Emissions
APM Terminals is also the world’s first container terminal with zero emissions on and off site. To achive this, the company signed a two-year, 5 million euro contract with Amsterdam-based NV Nuon Energy for the supply of environmentally-sustainable wind-generated electricity to power the new APM Terminals Maasvlakte II cranes and container handling equipment.
Serious Gaming in Automated Terminals
(From www.porttechnology.org) In the Port of Rotterdam, two fully automated terminals are being built and are close to live operations. Together with the Delft University of Technology (DUT), the Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics (Dinalog), Rotterdam World Gateway, APM Terminal’s Maasvlakte II, and several small and medium-sized enterprises, TBA is engaging in a big collective research project (SALOMO). The project began back in 2011 and is pioneering insight into shared situational awareness within the container supply chain. This research is committed to reducing onsite risks which have a negative impact on supply chain operations, safety and productivity.
The brief, realistic simulation in the video below portrays the workings of an ideal container terminal, with numerous daily scenarios highlighted.
Container Terminal Emulation TBA
The TBA video below shows a Terminal Operating System on the left side, directly coupled to the TBA Controls Emulation model displayed to the right. The model serves as a virtual terminal with which the TOS can be tested or tuned, while also facilitating training of TOS operators without hindering live operations. Users gain visual insight in the result of their actions or the decisions made by the TOS in the 3D animation of the terminal.
In addition, a video on BNCT, located in Busan's New Port, South Korea. This is Asia's first vertical-automated terminal which can berth four of the world's largest container vessels simultaneously.
Simulation and emulation specialist TBA was responsible for the design of APMT through advanced simulation and has delivered the Equipment Control Software TEAMS. TBA also delivered a virtual environment where people working on the terminal can be trained.
Read the article "The Future of Serious Gaming in Automated Terminals".
Watch National Geographic’s documentary "Megastructures" below.
