Global marine terminal operator DP World has ordered automation and remote control solutions for its flagship Jebel Ali port in Dubai, UAE, from Swiss power and automation technology group ABB.
The technology will be added to DP World’s new Terminal 4, which is expected to add a capacity of 3.1 million TEU by 2018 in Jebel Ali in its first phase.
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.
With Terminal 4, as compared to Terminal 3, 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.
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, according to Hoonaard.
The first phase of the new Terminal 4 will take the Jebel Ali port’s total capacity to 22.1 million TEU by 2018.