Since the first ever vessel was serviced by fully automated straddle carriers eight months ago the 'Autostrads' have now completed 15 ship calls, with all vessels departing from the terminal on schedule and well within the owners' call window.

Plans to extend the terminal to Berths 8, 9 and 10 have now been completed and work is underway by the Port of Brisbane Corporation to prepare the area behind Berths 8 and 9 ready for pavement construction to begin.

The success of the facility has come about due to the combination of cutting edge technology and a continuous focus on system development and enhancement. The cranes are now consistently exceeding 23 moves per hour and have achieved as many as 35 moves per hour.

RMI uses an advanced diagnostics system to collate and analyse operational data from all automated systems, allowing the control room to monitor terminal operational data in real time.

The system can also be monitored via the internet by PTS, allowing the terminal to access real time support and assistance directly from the development team.

This will be a valuable part of automated solution packages from PTS and Kalmar.

Terminal operator Patrick is currently considering raising the two Berth 7 cranes by about 7m to bring their height in line with those of the cranes operating manually at Berths 1, 2 and 3.

This will allow better access over three and four high deck stows and bring about greater performance potential.

The developers have successfully completed further trials involving Kalmar's 'auto pick and place' system, designed to semi-automate container exchange with road vehicles.

This improves turnaround times and further increases the already significant operational cost savings achieved.

MJ Information No: 18418