Improving container terminal operations

The need for better container terminal operations

Container terminals are dealing with increasing demands in volume, time and service as the shipping industry continues to expand. "The large-scale adoption of the container and globalization consistently drove global container port growth rates between 5% and 10% from the 1980s to the 2000s. Then, in the 2010s, growth rates steadily declined as global trade headed toward a phase of maturity. Throughput grew from 36 million TEU in 1980 to 237 million TEU in 2000, 545 million TEU in 2010, and more than 740 million TEU in 2017." After the turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and negative growth, container traffic resumed its upward trend with 849 million TEU in 2021. (1)

Thus, operations became more efficient, safe, and productive to keep up with these rising expectations. Identec Solutions offers technologies and practices tailored to help container terminals reach their goals of improved performance. By incorporating semi-automation, process improvements, and sustainable practices, as well as data analysis tools, Identec Solutions is ready to assist in making operations more efficient, safe and productive. Let's have a look at the main drivers of better container terminal operations:

• Semi-Automation: As container terminal operations become more complex, semi-automation can help streamline processes and increase performance. Semi-automation allows for greater flexibility in operations due to its use of automated controls and manual functions. The combination of automation with manual control provides a balance between efficiency and safety. By reducing human error and increasing the speed at which containers are handled, semi-automation can improve container terminal productivity and keeping the flexibility needed in container terminal operations. 
• Process Improvements for Enhancing Performance: Process improvements must be implemented to maximize container terminal performance. These include improved resource planning, efficient management systems, and better use of existing technology. By making the most of available resources, container terminals can reach their desired performance levels much faster.
• Sustainable Practices for Container Terminals: Sustainable practices are essential in order to reduce environmental impacts and increase efficiency in container terminal operations. These include utilizing renewable energy sources, reducing waste, improving logistics and working with suppliers to promote sustainable solutions. With a focus on sustainability, container terminals can achieve greater operational efficiency while also protecting the environment.
• Data Analysis: Gaining Valuable Insights into Operations: Data analysis tools can provide valuable insights into the container handling process. By utilizing data from sources such as sensors, RFID tags and other automated systems, terminal operators can better understand how operations are performing. This information can be used to optimize processes, identify potential areas for improvement and reduce costs.
• Sustainable Practices: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity: Sustainable solutions are essential for reducing environmental impacts, improving efficiency and increasing productivity in container terminals. By implementing energy-efficient technologies, utilizing renewable energy sources and working with suppliers to promote sustainable practices, terminal operators can make operations more efficient without sacrificing performance or safety. 

Semi-Automation

The implementation of semi-automation in container terminal operations offers a variety of advantages, including increased flexibility, efficiency, safety, and compliance, and reduced environmental impact. However, there are also several challenges associated with semi-automation, including the costs of implementation, potential impacts on workforce, and maintenance and upgrade requirements.

To fully realize the benefits of semi-automation, it is recommended that container terminal operators carefully evaluate their specific operational needs and challenges and design and plan for implementation accordingly. This should include a thorough assessment of the costs, benefits, and potential risks associated with semi-automation, as well as consideration of the potential impacts on the workforce and strategies for ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

To improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in container terminal operations, operators must also adopt a holistic approach that considers all aspects of their operations, from equipment design and maintenance to workforce training and development. This may include investing in new technologies and equipment that improve efficiency and reduce waste, implementing training and education programs for workers to ensure adherence to safety standards, and prioritizing environmental sustainability in all aspects of operations.

In addition, collaboration between container terminal operators, industry associations, and government agencies will play a critical role in advancing the adoption of semi-automation and improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in container terminal operations. This includes sharing best practices and knowledge, promoting innovation, and working towards common goals that benefit both the industry and society as a whole.

The future of container terminal operations lies in the adoption of semi-automation, which offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. While there are challenges associated with implementation, careful planning and collaboration can help ensure success and a more sustainable future for the industry.

Improved container terminal operations at TTI Algeciras

TTI Algeciras was not built as a fully automated container terminal (read more about port automation challenges). Instead, flexibility and efficiency as the paramount objectives lead to a semi-automated port concept. The core of semi-automation is a Position Detection System (PDS) that informs the TOS real-time about current container positions. It's a clever concept: the last known position of a container is stored in the TOS, and every move updates the TOS automatically. No containers were damaged or lost, and no time was wasted searching.

It is a delicate balance between semi-automation and full automation: To what degree of flexibility do you want to run your container terminal operations? At TTI Algeciras, it was the right decision to automate repetitive, monotone tasks that demanded high accuracy and reliability but to improve process performance constantly by enhancing possibilities and changing the way things are done in port.

Miguel Angel Sanchez from TTI Algeciras: “And this is exactly why we chose Terminal Tracker. In our operational model, we needed to close the missing link between the automated processes in the yard and the non-automated, driver-related jobs. That was crucial. Without Terminal Tracker, we would not have been able to be ready for our first vessel, which arrived on time and was served successfully. The first of many to come”.

Our latest animated video explains how semi-automation works and what role Terminal Tracker, our port automation solution, plays in an efficient, reliable container terminal. Planning, operations and monitoring go hand-in-hand with a successful terminal - like TTI Algeciras.

Read more about TTI Algeciras and download the case study for free

Harnessing Data Analysis for Enhanced Container Terminal Efficiency

Collecting a large amount of data has revolutionised how container terminals are managed. The wealth of information has made it possible to increase efficiency, safety and profitability, as well as support sustainable efforts. The tools and technologies give terminal operators deep insight into their processes to optimise operations.

So, what data sources are there at the port?

• Sensors and IoT Devices: For example, temperature and humidity sensors monitor environmental conditions to ensure the safety and integrity of sensitive cargo. Vibration sensors detect unusual oscillations, which can be important indicators of equipment malfunctions or damage during container handling. Load sensors, in turn, measure the weight of containers, helping to avoid overloading.
• Tags and transponders: They provide real-time container location data, which is crucial for the accuracy of the yard inventory. They record every container move and thus enable the container position to be automatically updated.
• Telematics: The information collected with programmable logic controllers (PLC) in vehicles is analysed in real-time, and alerts are sent in the event of deviations. This enables a tailored proactive maintenance approach that minimises damage and can significantly extend the service life of equipment.
• Inspection reports and maintenance logs: Results from inspections of containers and equipment, as well as the recording of maintenance activities for equipment and infrastructure, provide information about their current condition and reveal patterns that can be crucial for eliminating handling errors, for example.
• Throughput analysis and productivity recording: Analysing data on container movements and handling times can draw conclusions about best practices and bottlenecks. The records of the use of each individual container handling equipment (CHE) and vehicle enable the analysis of their efficiency and any opportunities for improvement.
• Labour productivity and equipment utilisation: Data on working hours and container movements provide insight into the efficiency of workforce allocation and planning and help to optimise personnel deployment. Handling equipment usage patterns reveals whether resources are used effectively and identify underutilised assets.

Continuously tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, turnaround time, and equipment usage allows comparisons to be made with industry standards while setting improvement targets. This also makes it quite easy to compare and evaluate different time periods or operating scenarios. This provides insights into which strategies are most effective in which use case.

Takeaway

Identec Solutions is helping container terminals improve their operations by offering semi-automation, process improvement solutions and data analysis tools. With the help of these services, as well as emphasizing sustainable practices, container terminals can achieve greater efficiency and productivity while ensuring the safe handling of containers. For more information on how Identec Solutions is helping to improve container terminal operations, contact us today! 

Research our extensive resources about port automation here...

Glossary

Container throughput is a key performance metric in maritime logistics that measures the number of containers moved through a port or terminal within a specific time period. It includes inbound, outbound, and transhipment containers, regardless of their contents or direction. Throughput is typically expressed in Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and serves as an indicator of a port's efficiency, capacity, and economic activity. Higher throughput generally reflects stronger operational capabilities and economic performance. (2)

RFID tags are small electronic devices that use radio frequency technology to store and transmit data wirelessly. They consist of a microchip, antenna, and substrate. RFID tags can be passive (powered by reader signals) or active (battery-powered). They're used for tracking and identifying objects, animals, or people in various industries, offering advantages over traditional barcodes by not requiring line-of-sight scanning and allowing multiple tag reads simultaneously. (3)

Sources:

(1) https://porteconomicsmanagement.org/pemp/contents/part1/maritime-shipping-and-international-trade/world-container-throughput/

(2) Container Logistics and Maritime Transport by Dong-Ping Song, Routledge, 2021

(3) RFID for the Supply Chain and Operations Professional by Pamela Zelbst and Victor Sower, Business Expert Press, 2012

Note: This article was updated on the 25th of January 2025

Author

Paul Hebrard, VP Sales Marine & Ports

Paul Hebrard is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the Container Terminal Industry, beginning his journey with the IT team at P&O Ports Melbourne. His career has centered on process automation solutions support, implementation, and business development. With a focus on improvements at existing terminals, Paul has an aptitude to bring together vendors and collaborators to solve complex issues affecting Terminals globally. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science, a Master of Science in Network Systems, and an Executive Master of Business Administration.