Qingdao New Qianwan Container Terminal (QQCTN) in China has released photos of the new, fully automated terminal operating at night.
A new terminal at the Port of Qingdao commenced operations for Phase 1 in May, 2017.
While it used to take 60 workers to unload a cargo ship, the automatic facility uses only nine workers to unload a ship.
The facility can operate in darkness at night as it is equipped with laser scanners and positioning systems able to locate and latch on to the four corners of each container, lift and put them onto driverless trucks.
The smart trucks, which are powered by electricity, have digitally-controlled routes and tasks. Smart trucks can cut labour costs by 70% and increase efficiency by 30% as the terminal is operational when it is dark.
QQCTN operates more efficiently as it is capable of easily operating in the dark
In addition to installing Navis N4 terminal system, QQCTN has also invested in innovative equipment such as automatic twist lock handling machines, automatic fumigation and automatic waterside x-ray inspection.
The first phase of the project covered two berths on 660 metres of quay with seven remote controlled STS cranes, 38 automated stacking cranes (ASC) and 38 automated guided vehicles (AGV), and the initial capacity is 1.5 million TEU.
Additional phases are slated to automate the remaining berths, enabling the terminal to reach Phase 4 with a capacity of 5.2 million TEU and host the world’s largest containerships of up to 24,000 TEU capacity along its 6 berths which are altogether 2,088 metres long.
In handling its first vessel, containership COSCO France, QQCTN achieved an average crane productivity of 26.1 moves per hour, and will strive to achieve more than 40 moves per hour with a fully utilized yard.
QQCTN hosting 13,350 TEU continaership COSCO France in the daytime
The terminal will have the capacity to berth some of the largest container ships in the world—up to 24,000 TEUs.
