A host of new products and services are due to be unveiled at the world’s largest and longest-running exhibition for port handling equipment and technology
London, 06.06.2013 – The quest for greater productivity in maritime ports and terminals is on as ever-larger vessels enter global and regional trade lanes. As ports and terminals strive to handle container traffic faster and more consistently, without sacrificing cost control, safety and environmental efficiency, advanced cargo handling and logistics process technologies are playing a crucial role.
If the upcoming TOC Europe 2013 Exhibition is anything to go by, innovation in port equipment and technology seems to be reaching an all-time high. The 3-day exhibition from 25-27 June in Rotterdam is the largest ever in the event’s 37-year history. Many of the companies exhibiting are planning official product and service launches, offering plenty new to see and do for the 1, 500-odd port and terminal professionals expected to attend.
New hybrid AGV:
Dutch port equipment, technology and automation group VDL (Stand B42/A46) will demonstrate its new diesel-electric hybrid automated guided vehicle (AGV) for horizontal quay-yard transport, with a full size unit on display. Earlier this year, the company announced a major order for 22 of the new AGVs for the ECT Delta Terminal in Rotterdam, with an option for a further 62 units.
Virtual terminal operations:
ISL Applications (Stand D92), provider of virtualisation technologies for terminal design and operations, is launching the CHESSCON Yard View interactive performance management tool. The new system includes flexible filters to define special views of containers in the yard, marking them by different colours and providing users with the chance to go into full details for every individual box. ISL will also present CHESSCON’s new scenario planning system based on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), which combines new types of KPI with a hierarchical design to drill deeper into the details of equipment performance at the single unit level.
2nd generation all-electric spreaders:
On Stand B20, spreader manufacturer Bromma is using TOC Europe to launch the second generation of its STS45E all-electric twin-lift ship-to-shore spreader. The Bromma STS45E was first introduced in 2007 and subsequent customer feedback and field experience now form the foundation for the second generation. More than 15 functions have been updated compared to the original design. The first deliveries of the second generation STS45E will be to Long Beach Container Terminal, for its new automated facility now under development on the US West Coast.
Crane training – simulator style:
For existing (and would-be) crane operators, Liebherr is running a daily simulator competition on Stand D52, with prizes awarded to the contestants who move the most containers or bulk cargo in a given time period. Beyond the fun, Liebherr is using TOC Europe to formally launch its virtual solution as a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional training methods, combining a realistic training cab with a range of simulated crane environments, including ship-to-shore, rubber-tyred gantry (RTG), mobile harbour and offshore cranes.
Training in a virtual environment eliminates damage to maritime equipment and injuries to port personnel, says Liebherr, and as it does not interfere with day-to-day operations, allows trainees extended time in the virtual environment, learning instinctively how to react to unexpected – and extreme – situations. An added benefit is the ability to simulate harsh environmental conditions whenever required.
Straddle carrier safety system:
International Terminal Solutions Ltd (ITS) will show its recently launched straddle carrier operational safety module on Stand A10. The system is a further expansion of the ITS E-SMART management tool, providing an instant visualisation of equipment operated across the port. The new module allows users to identify areas of the container yard where the layout or inadequate maintenance may cause straddle carrier instability, and quantifies the risks in easily understood screens. The system will also identify Individual straddle carriers with poor stability performance, and provides KPI data about individual operators’ safety performance, highlighting those demonstrating the highest risk to allow preventative action to be taken.
High durability mast chain for mobile handling equipment:
On Stand C84, UK-based FB Chain will display its recently-launched leaf chain, designed for high life capacity fork lift trucks, reach stackers and container handlers. The SEB SuperEndurance chain – which powers a lift truck’s essential mast functions – has been developed to ensure the highest levels of truck uptime while minimising the need for routine chain maintenance. New features include the use of solid seamless bushes pressed into two inner links, manufactured as perfectly round as possible to increase and optimise the internal bearing area of the chain and distribute the load evenly across every pin. Chain wear is further reduced by the introduction of a synthetic O-ring, which provides a protective seal between the plate and the bearing area, retaining lubricant in the part of the chain where it is most needed. To reduce the impact of salt and humidity in port environments, the new chain is also treated with a zinc flake coating, offering six times greater corrosion protection than traditional untreated chains.
Crane OCR on the fly:
Exhibiting for the first time ever at TOC Europe, process control and automation specialist Orbita Ingenieria will be launching its new CraneOCR system on Stand C86. Designed to automate the identification of containers as they are loaded off and on container vessels, CraneOCR uses the latest pan, tilt and zoom cameras, plus advanced algorithms, to track containers as they are moved across different lanes under the ship-to-shore (STS) container cranes. The company says that this innovative approach to capturing data in motion reduces the number and cost of OCR cameras required and helps maintain STS cycle speeds. CraneOCR integrates with Orbita’s existing GateSuite range of automated access control and traffic management solutions.
New active RFID solution:
RF technology developer Biteknik (Stand C2) will introduce its new BIRF active RFID system, with a real-life demo version running. Combining patented active RFID technology with system control software, the BIRF system enables terminals to track and control personnel, containers and handling equipment in real-time. Bitenek has recently installed the new system at Izmir Container Terminal, Turkey, including full software integration with Izmir’s terminal operating system (TOS) as part of the turn-key project.
ZPMC Rotterdam debut:
Making its debut at this year’s TOC CSC Europe, ZPMC Netherlands (Stand D96) is a new overseas subsidiary formed late last year following a strategic decision by the Chinese crane manufacturer to improve local customer support and after-sales service by setting up 15 new foreign offices worldwide. Based in Rotterdam, ZPMC Netherlands will act as a full branch office for its parent company, serving customers in the port equipment, offshore crane and large steel structure markets. Spare parts will also be warehoused locally to assure short lead times.
TOC Container Supply Chain Europe runs from 25-27 June at the Ahoy Centre, Rotterdam. The event includes tour of Rotterdam Port terminals. For the full conference programme please visit: www.tocevents-europe.com
PRESS REGISTRATION FOR TOC EUROPE IS NOW OPEN:
Pre-register for your press pass today at www.tocevents-europe.com/press or contact Olga Andreyeva, Marketing Manager at olga.andreyeva@toc-events.com.
Pre-registered press will be kept up-to-date about product launches and press conferences taking place at this year’s event – look out for further announcements.
www.tocevents-europe.com
