Kalmar AutoStrad™: Terminal Design and Conversion

Increasing the automation level of a terminal with products that automate a single part of the operation or the whole process is recognised as the next step towards improving performance at today’s container terminals. The benefits of automation include lower operational costs as well as improved terminal productivity, capacity, safety and security.

Automating an existing terminal is a complex project that requires deep expertise, careful planning, a capacity for wide-ranging system integration and the ability to consider numerous factors beyond technical implementation. In addition to the actual automated system, there is also extensive change management required within the entire organisation of the terminal, as operating an automated terminal necessitates a thorough change of business processes and job descriptions, as well as different skill sets for the people operating the terminal.

In this white paper, we explore:

• The benefits of switching to an automated straddle carrier terminal concept
• The implementation process of an automation system
• Impacts to the terminal and infrastructure design
• Available technology options