Tick, tock, time for TOC

The traditional port world is changing, demographical, technological, and sustainability drivers are affecting the daily business and shaping several important trends. As a port authority, port operator, policy developer or organization active in the port value chain it is important to know which changes will most likely occur and what the outcome will be for the maritime sector, says Deloitte.

According to its report ‘Global Port Trends 2030 – The future port landscape’, it is expected that trade routes, the competitive position of stakeholders, ecosystems, and the cargo distribution will be different as we know it today. Although the exact future of the global ports and shipping industry is still uncertain, it is important for the industry’s stakeholders to consider these trends and to prepare with appropriate policies and strategies.

It states: “Increased use of technology and increased collaboration are moving even more strongly to the forefront as dependencies on large labour forces and isolated (digital) infrastructure systems are reduced. This will still be part of larger strategies which will also be focusing increasingly on diversification for increased resilience, emphasizing spatial use strategies and niche markets.

“Coronavirus showed us that certain markets (container and automotive) are once again amongst the first hit in situations of global crisis. The one trend which became more uncertain due to Covid is the increased focus on sustainability. Given the large economic impact it is uncertain if sustainability will be pushed to the background in favour of basic economic growth initiatives.”

It claims the maritime sector will be affected by several important trends; spatial strategies, protectionism, tilt in Asia increased use of technology; niche markets, new production chains, increased focus on sustainability and new trade routes.

Alongside these trends, this year’s TOC Europe 2022 Container Supply Chain Conference will discuss future challenges for the maritime and logistics sector and TECH TOC will feature the latest innovations to see how they are revolutionising the industry.

Among the speakers are; Annika Kroon, head of Unit - DG MOVE - Maritime Transport & Logistics for the European Commission, who will speak about ‘Sustainability and ESG Metrics for Green Profit’ (June 15) and Ashley Woods, global head of environmental improvement & HSSE performance insights, APM Terminals, in a panel discussion on Energy Transition.

Others include Berit Hinnemann, head of decarbonisation business development, Maersk, on alternative fuels.

There will also be spotlights on Morocco and Brazil and a focus on digital transformation featuring Paolo Dazi, senior VP, Konecranes Port Services. Also discussing digital transformation will be Lasse Eriksson VP Technology, Kalmar and Christopher Saavedra, manager - terminal design services, also from Kalmar, sharing his thoughts on green profit.

Exhibitor Kalmar recently received an order for its SmartPort process automation solutions from Terminal Graneles del Norte S.A. (TGN) for its greenfield terminal in Mejillones, Chile, which is expected to start operations in Q4 2023.

“We chose Kalmar SmartPort solutions because of Kalmar’s ability to offer a solution that will be a key part of the automated container movement through the port.,” explains Eduardo Simian, project manager, TGN

“We are confident the solution will help us to ensure safe and efficient operations and fast truck turnaround times for our customers,” . TGN operates a multi-purpose terminal in Mejillones Bay at the heart of Chile’s mining region, 1400km from Santiago and 65km from Antofagasta. To respond to growing demand in the region, it is constructing a container terminal in Antofagasta, which will feature an automated rail-mounted gantry crane, using Kalmar SmartPort to improve the efficiency and performance of the terminal.

After the go-live, the terminal will benefit from three Kalmar SmartPort solutions to improve efficiency, security and productivity: including SmartMap, which enables real-time and historical visualisation of equipment location and container routing in the yard;

SmartTrucks, which automatically tracks the road truck to ensure compliance with the work instruction and to increase crane productivity when the truck arrives at the point of work; and SmartLane, which will use RFID tags placed on a closed loop of containers to automatically register and track the containers as they enter or leave the terminal.

“We are pleased to welcome TGN as a Kalmar customer and help them achieve the highest level of productivity through our process automation solutions. With our help, the customer will be able to speed up their performance by minimising idle times and avoiding delays in their container yard with the best possible safety and security for their operational processes,” said Ezequiel Bracco, sales manager, Automation Solutions, Kalmar Americas.

In terms of sustainability Kalmar will supply 12 diesel-electric straddle carriers to Terminal de Normandie MSC & Terminal Porte Océane in the Port of Le Havre.

Terminal Normandie MSC & Terminal Porte Océane are MSC’s and 2M’s principal French gateway terminals with barge and rail intermodal connectivity to the European market. Delivery is expected in Q4 2022.

Terminal Porte Océane offers quick and easy access to all forms of freight transport. Opened in 2007, the terminal features Le Havre’s largest STS cranes, and is capable of handling ultra large container vessels. The terminal has an annual capacity of 550,000 TEU.

The Kalmar Straddle Carriers delivered to Terminaux de Normandie will have a four-high stacking capacity and a lifting capacity of 50 tons. Powered by a diesel-electric power unit, the machines feature excellent manoeuvrability, quiet operation and easy maintenance.

“We are confident the new straddle carriers will deliver high performance and reliability combined with low operating and maintenance costs. We would like to thank the whole team involved in this project as we just received delivery of the first batch of 12 new units, this as a first step of our new partnership,” said Arnaud Roques, MD, Terminaux de Normandie.

Among other exhibitors at this year’s show are Liebherr and PACECO. Liebherr oversaw transportation of its HLC (Heavy Lift Crane) 295000, the largest crane it has ever built, with a maximum capacity of 5,000 tons and an outreach of up to 151 metres, onboard the “Orion”, the next generation offshore installation vessel by DEME, recently.

The vessel left the Port of Rostock, Germany, following a name-giving ceremony in Vlissingen in the Netherlands. Amélie Michel, wife of Charles Michel, president of the European Council, oversaw the ceremony. Among the spectators were; Duc Vandenbulcke, CEO, DEME, Luc Bertrand, chairman, DEME, Patricia Rüf, member of the administrative board Liebherr- International and joint management of the maritime cranes company area of the Liebherr Group and Leopold Berthold, MD, Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock. The vessel then sailed into Rügen to the offshore wind farm “Arcadis Ost I” in the Baltic Sea.

Thanks to its compact design, the HLC will serve in the offshore market. For example, the base column, which is 16.8 metres diameter, is unique in the market. The HLC 295000 requires little space ondeck and offers more storage space for transportation.

“‘Orion’ heralds a new era in the offshore energy industry – one which will be dominated by multi-megawatt turbines, jackets and components. The combination of load capacity and superior lifting heights of Orion will enable DEME to play an important role in helping the industry successfully navigate the energy transition,” said Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO DEME Group.

Liebherr claims HLC 295000 will make an impact in the energy transformation sector because it will support the construction of windfarms, as well as decommissioning “old” platforms, a development pushed forward by offshore wind.

PACECO has won a contract from International Transportation Service (ITS) for five 65 long ton capacity PACECO-Mitsui Ship to Shore Portainer Cranes and five PACECO-Mitsui RTG Transtainer Cranes for the terminal at the port of Long Beach, California.

The Portainer cranes are a larger version of the existing cranes at ITS, featuring a mono-box boom with an outreach of 230 feet and lifting capacity of 175 feet over the seaside rail, and will be the largest STS cranes at ITS terminal.

The cranes will be built with the latest technology for increased safety and optimal productivity including operator assist system, and laser and camera systems for anti-collision. ITS will have 15 PACECO-Mitsui Portainer cranes when these five cranes are delivered.

It has also ordered five NZE Model (Near Zero Emission) Hybrid Transtainer RTGs, the latest generation of Hybrid RTGs offered by PACECO. These cranes feature a small diesel-generator to charge the Large Battery Bank, the main energy source of these RTGs. The NZE model RTG reduces the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 70% compared to conventional RTGs and has been designed to easily convert to a Zero Emission RTG by replacing the diesel-generator with a Fuel Cell Power Module, making the NZE Model RTG future proof with the ability to comply with Year 2030 Zero Emission goals set by the port of Los Angeles and the port of Long Beach, California.

“Customers value the lower life cycle cost and reliable performance of PACECO-Mitsui cranes and this order reflects that,” said Soshi Sato, president, PACECO.

The cranes will be delivered from Mitsui E&S Machinery Co. Ltd. (Oita, Japan) in two shipments, and be put into operation in early 2023.

In partnership with Mitsui E&S Machinery Co., PACECO has also received a grant from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for a Demonstration Project of a Commercially Feasible Hydrogen Fuel Model at the Port of Los Angeles.

The grant, awarded in December 2021, is part of an overall project encompassing a demonstration of the hydrogen supply chain, from local production of clean hydrogen to the consumption point of port container handling equipment and dredge trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. This project will be executed in collaboration with Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Tsusho America, Hino Motor Manufacturing, and Hino Motor Manufacturing USA. The anticipated project term is from February 2022 to March 2026.

Digital innovation is at the forefront of the Maritime industry’s agenda, especially for terminals and operations. Historically, the lack of visibility within the supply chain has led to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies. It is recognised within the industry that data sharing and information exchange will improve business continuity, build redundancy, and enhance performance, according to Identec Solutions, Industrial Internet of Things, based in Austria.

It claims process automation streamlines a system by removing/improving human inputs, decreasing failures, increasing delivery speed, boosting quality, minimising costs, and simplifying the business process and has designed solutions specifically for ports and terminals to support their growth including; the Terminal Tracker, an interconnected network that breaks down typical silos within an organisation and brings together the main functions, from planning to maintenance through execution; and Reefer Runner, an automated reefer container monitoring and management system.

Another digital platform, Awake.AI, recognised by Frost & Sullivan as the 2021 European Entrepreneurial Company of the Year, enhances maritime logistics by integrating stakeholders operating in sea, port, and land logistics. It funnels the discrete data from their operations, drives shared and transparent communications, and offers accurate predictions for informed decision-making.

“Awake.AI’s collaborative AI platform expedites ports’ and terminals’ transition to connected operations, aiding smarter operational decision-making,” said Suriya Anjumohan, senior industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan. “With a reliable data flow, Awake. AI reinvents port logistics operations management by offering a virtual infrastructure and connected process governance for maritime logistics industry participants. Its scalable digital solutions, strong port ecosystem partner network, and commitment to amplifying digitized port operations established it as a trusted, smart port ecosystem orchestrator.”

It is also an exciting time for exhibitor’s Conductix-Wampfler, which signed a partnership with R3 Solutions, earlier this year, announcing the development of an advanced real-time networking solution.

Conductix-Wampfler helps to reduce carbon emissions with energy and data management systems. The broadest range of products for container handling equipment which includes cable festoon systems, cable reels, conductor rails, radio remote controls, safe and reliable data transmission via fiber optics or wirelessly through ProfiDAT, or full-electrification, battery or hybrid solutions for E-RTGs.

“There is a growing need in the industry for wireless, highly reliable, low-latency communications. Being able to support customers locally in this significant area is key for us,” said Florian Bonanati, co-CEO, R3 Solutions.

In response to the trend towards battery-powered machines, reinforced by the electric vehicle market, this co-operation between R3 Solutions and Conductix- Wampfler is a joint project at a major international manufacturer of electric cars in the USA.

“R3 Solutions has established itself over the years as an expert in wireless data communication. For us, the partnership was the next logical step to continue our strategy towards wireless solutions,” said Manuel Zak, chief marketing & strategy officer, Conductix-Wampfler.

Finally, Dellner Bubenzer is excited to be exhibiting at TOC Europe this year, the company launched its SB 28.5 disc brake, now available worldwide, recently, which is an upgrade of its SB Series equipment and marks its first product launch since it announced the Dellner Bubenzer merger in June 2021.

“Dellner Bubenzer is pleased to announce the release of the SB 28.5,” said Jan-Willem Schoneveld, chief commercial officer Dellner Bubenzer, at the time.

“By constantly monitoring our products, recognizing optimal performance potential, and responding to market needs, this is another opportunity to expand and enhance our product portfolio with worldwide competence and expertise.

“Sustainability is a driving force in development for us with the combination of the SB 28.5 with the BUEL thruster. This is an important development for braking systems that consumes less energy with a fast-closing time.

“Beyond sustainability and energy saving, the SB 28.5 brake presents the significant advantage of less maintenance. This is a result of the improved self-centering system by roller and cam. In addition, we have advanced the automatic wear compensation and the parallel alignment of brake shoes, so maintenance work is simplified.

“The compact design allows our customers for 1:1 replacement of previous products, ensuring precise interchangeability if new brakes are needed.

“This new braking system underscores Dellner Bubenzer commitment to uphold our pioneering reputation and deploy the latest in technology to mirror what market needs, and our clients deserve.”

Talking about TOC Europe, Joel Cox, MD, sales and global sales director Americas, Dellner Bubenzer USA, said it will have the SB 28.5 brake on display in person for the first time for spectators to see, and for storm brakes it will be showing off its newly created DBRBe (All Electric Wheel Brake).

“We also have a new development that is being privately unveiled at TOC on our SFB/KFB motor mounted brake “new feature option” that is an industry game changer for us,” added Cox.

“Offshore for the United States is a big deal. We won the very first offshore USA built vessel for jack up rigs for wind farm installation platforms under the Jones Act in the USA. Our KFB & SFB motor mounted brakes have been setting the stage for many years on vessels, winches, platforms all over the world. This first unit ever built on US soil is being done in Texas with our brakes keeping it safe at sea.”

US energy company Dominion Energy, Ørsted and Eversource have agreed for Ørsted and Eversource to charter Dominion Energy’s Charybdis, the first Jones Act-qualified offshore wind farm installation vessel in the United States, for the construction of two offshore wind farms in the US Northeast.

According to David Hardy, CEO, Ørsted Offshore North America, a “Jones Act-qualified installation vessel is a game-changer for the development of the US offshore wind industry and this investment will enable us to unlock the economic benefits of offshore wind, not just for the Northeast, but for the Southern states as well. We’re proud to partner with Dominion Energy and Eversource on this historic milestone.”

Charybdis, which is expected to be sea-ready by late 2023, will first be deployed out of New London harbor in Connecticut to support the construction of Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, both under joint development by Ørsted and Eversource.