ABB electrifies and automates the APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas terminal in Mexico
ABB, the power and automation technology group, is delivering complete electrification and crane automation solution to APM Terminals’ new terminal at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico.
“We are excited about this project as it allows to combine our domain knowledge in power and automation, and offer a complete solution for container terminals. With our unique combination of knowledge and experience in both fields we can help our customers to optimize their terminal design. This is a prerequisite for reliable and energy efficient terminal operation for the years to come”, said Fred Hoonaard, Group Vice President at ABB Crane and Harbor.
Latin America’s first semi-automated container terminal is being built in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, the second busiest port on the Mexican Pacific coast. The terminal’s five ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, 22 automatic stacking cranes and two railway cranes all equipped with ABB’s crane automation systems will enable an annual throughput capacity of 1.2 million TEU in the terminal.
The electrification solution consists of a 115kV turnkey substation with a grid connection to the high voltage grid of CFE, the Mexican utility company. Also the complete electrical systems of the terminal consisting of several distribution substations, reefer substations and building substations as well as terminal lighting and an overall power management system will be delivered by ABB. Further, ABB will supply the electrical systems for the cranes.
“We selected one proven and reliable supplier for the whole scope from the substation with a grid connection, up to crane automation. ABB with its technologies and track record in supplying electrical systems and automation solutions for crane operations was a natural choice”, said Tiemen Meester, Vice President for Business Implementation at APM Terminals.
“The terminal electrification solution combined with our Intelligent automation provide a complete portfolio that reduces risk and investment cost for our customers, and enables safer, greener and more productive container handling at the terminals”, Fred Hoonaard said.
The first phase of the new terminal will have three berths and a total quay length of 750m. “The new terminal will improve efficiency for shipping lines as well as exporters and importers, alleviating bottlenecks and improving cost efficiencies in the transportation of containers through the West coast of Mexico”, Tiemen Meester said.