ABB to automate more DP World terminals
ABB will deliver automation and remote control solutions to the underway Terminal 4 operated by the global marine terminal operator DP World in Dubai, UAE.
The first phase of the new Terminal 4 will add capacity worth 3.1 million TEU by 2018 in Jebel Ali. This capacity will be achieved with 13 ship to shore (STS) cranes and 35 automatic stacking cranes (ASC), all equipped with automation and remote control solutions from ABB.
The operation concept of Terminal 4 will be similar to that in Terminal 3, which commenced operations last year with its 50 Automated Rail Mounted Gantries ARMGs. However, with Terminal 4, DP World will take another step in remote operation: All STS and stacking cranes of this terminal will be operated from a control room located away from the quay of the terminal.
“DP World’s new concept of placing the control room within the port area but outside the terminal with increased distance between the cranes and the control room, are what we see as the next level in remote operation. This concept simplifies the security procedures for crane operators since they can reach their control stations without going through security control required for entering the terminal”, said Fred Hoonaard, Group Vice President of ABB Ports.
“Investments in state-of-the art automation systems and remote control in our terminals together with increasing capacity reinforces Jebel Ali’s position as a leading trade hub and gateway of the whole region. With the concepts and technologies we have chosen to deploy, we are building facilities that meet the requirements of our customers and their new mega ships”, said Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region.
The communication between the terminal and the control room is compliant with safety classified communication requirements and ensures that a crane operator is able to perform real-time and time critical process control functions requiring operator involvement fast at all times. “In spite of the increased distance, remote operation is performed safely”, Fred Hoonaard added.
“We are building capacity to accommodate more of the world’s largests container ships at one time, and to improve the efficiency of the region’s supply chain”, said Mr Al Muallem.
The first phase of the new Terminal 4 will add 3.1 million TEU capacity to Jebel Ali by 2018, taking the port’s total capacity to 22.1 million TEU by 2018.