Global Container Terminals in New Jersey plans to implement Cargotec's Kalmar SmartQuay solution for six quay cranes as part of an ongoing automation project.
The SmartQuay solution improves productivity during vessel operations and is delivered in partnership with APS Technology Group, part of the Kalmar SmartPort Alliance. The system automates data capture for all container movements, automatically builds ship plans and provides tools for managing traffic at the quay. The crane solution utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to automate data capture for all container movements. Global Container Terminals is also implementing APS MatchMakerTM solution to automatically associate containers to terminal-owned trucks during handoff, and the APS X-ClerkTM exception handling system.
The crane OCR solution automatically identifies containers loaded and discharged by the quay cranes to improve data accuracy, throughput and safety, while decreasing overall operating costs. The implementation includes in-flight OCR cameras between the cranes' legs and in the back reach, in addition to portal beam cameras for automated door direction detection. Global Container Terminal is also using the APS MatchMakerTM system to automatically associate containers to terminal-owned trucks during handoff, allowing for automated work assignment and confirmation without manual intervention.
"Global Container Terminals was looking for a solution that would maximize the efficiency, safety and data quality of quay operations for our terminal. Cargotec and APS Technologies will enable us to provide a better service to our customer through the use of these advanced solutions." said Richard Ceci, Vice President, Information Technology for Global Container Terminals. "We chose Cargotec and APS Technology for their proven experience in crane automation and optical character recognition solutions."
Global Container Terminals (GCT) is one of the top four container terminal operators in North America and enjoys stable, long-term relationships with the majority of the world's largest container lines. To support the growing capacity needs of its customers, GCT has several expansion projects underway along with the implementation of solutions to help improve terminal safety and to maximize efficiencies.