A quay crane driver aid that guards against collision has obvious health and safety benefits but the Navtech N100-AC also saves money by avoiding the cost of accidents and insurance excesses and, over time, could reduce premiums as the system becomes more widely recognised.

The system uses a millimetre wave radar sensor developed by Navtech for port automation applications. The high resolution radar, mounted on the underside of the boom, identifies obstructions in the path of the moving crane boom, such as antenna stacks. Should the crane get too close to the ship or the ship drift towards the crane, the system will generate alarms to the controls. This message will instruct the crane to slow down at a pre-determined time to avoid collision. If the crane continues towards the obstacle, the crane system is alerted to stop short of it. The radar cancels the alarm once it detects that the crane is travelling away from the obstacle.

The system's accurate measurement capabilities allow the crane to get close to a ship's superstructure without triggering the stop alarm, so that operational efficiency is not affected. The system tracks the trolley position as it moves through the detection zone to avoid generating false alarms.

The system is unaffected by heavy rain, fog or dust and operates effectively in all weather conditions 24 hours a day.

MJInformation No: 20778