Sphere No.49 (Aug 2019)

>> PORTS TRANSFORMATION better and more efficiently. For example, semi-automated RC RTGCs can help almost every crane operator achieve the two-minute loading/unloading standard expected of an expert operator. The next step is, of course, fully automated cranes that can do the jobs by themselves. Think Iron Man 3 when J.A.R.V.I.S. delivered a host of over 20 specialised Iron Man suits programmed and battle-ready to assist Tony Stark. New cranes can be programmed to find, pick up and deliver a container with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This includes fully automated straddle carriers in some ports. The road map for development in Laem Chabang, Thailand, has recently seen the ports group invest US$600 million in a range of automated and semi-automated RC cranes, showing the way for the rest of Hutchison Ports. In addition to new cranes, a transformation at pavement level is taking place as traffic control, signage and more are being changed to allow the co-mingling of driverless and people-driven vehicles. It may seem eerie watching from the ship, as driverless vehicles patiently wait for apparently unmanned cranes to deliver containers to them before they manoeuvre around container parks and away. But those operations deliver big savings – up to 60% for RC RTGCs versus traditional RTGCs. Fully automated cranes may deliver even bigger savings. J.A.R.V.I.S., feel free to handle the containers as you see fit! DIGITISE TO LOCALISE – AND GLOBALISE nGen is the nerve network of the Hutchison Ports operations – and far beyond. All those automated machines will have to plug into, and communicate with, systems that talk to every part of global operations. Beyond that, they will need to speak to the rest of the entire logistics world. Part of the digitisation story is the demand to connect to the different players and platforms in different countries. Government bodies, like customs departments, are among the most important seeking data from nGen. Preparations are also underway to connect nGen to the new Global Shipping Business Network platform, and it also has Electronic SMART NETWORK STRATEGY Organisation Automation Digitisation Standardisation Remote-control cranes are quickly accepted by the workers, taking them out of the crane cabin and placing them in air-conditioned offices. electric powered. But they still need an operator on top of a crane for hours. Hutchison Ports began converting cranes into semi-automated remote-control (RC) cranes in the early 2010s in Hong Kong. Remote-Control Quay Cranes (RCQC) were introduced in 2015 in the company’s Saudi Arabia operations, where high temperatures can be crushing. Thailand is the next frontier, with both RCQCs and RC RTGCs coming into play. These remote-control cranes are quickly accepted by the workers, taking them out of the crane cabins and placing them in air-conditioned offices. Formerly, the profession was dominated by male operators. But now, a more diverse workforce can be recruited to operate these cranes. And all operators can benefit from nGen helping them with the loading and unloading of containers. “J.A.R.V.I.S., MOVE THAT CONTAINER PLEASE” The Avengers’ Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, had his onboard computer assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S., to help him keep track of systems and help him out in a pinch. Likewise, semi-automated crane operations help operators do their jobs, improving overall efficiency. There are automated and semi-automated cranes that port operators can choose from today. Combined with RC tech, semi- automation can help workers do their jobs