Brisbane Container Terminals (BCT) occupies berths 11 and 12 at the port. The opening of BCT’s operations positions Port of Brisbane as the only Australian port to host three stevedoring operations – Patrick, DP World and BCT – all of which utilise automated container handling equipment.
Terminal automation has been a feature at Port of Brisbane since 2005 when Patrick introduced its AutoStrad automated straddle carrier technology.
Full stevedore automation strengthens the Port of Brisbane’s status as Australia’s fastest growing multi-cargo container port, according to PBPL General Manager Trade Services, Peter Keyte.
“PBPL is committed to ensuring our customers benefit from world-class infrastructure that supports the operations of our partners in the logistics supply chain.
“Growing efficient trade opportunities through the Port of Brisbane will deliver sustained economic prosperity for Queensland and strengthen the Port of Brisbane’s position as Asia’s key trading hub.
“PBPL is pleased to support the automation initiatives of each of the three stevedores because of the significant operating efficiencies and safety improvements which are being realised by the operators,” Mr Keyte said.
According to Patrick, its AutoStrad technology has achieved up to a 90% reduction in safety incidents and improved the operational efficiency of the Patrick terminal.
Once fully operational in 2014, BCT claims its two container berths will be capable of handling more than 800,000 TEU (equivalent to 20-foot container) a year. The terminal is operated using Hutchison’s proprietary container terminal operations technology, nGen, which tracks and manages the movement of containers through the terminal and operates the automated stacking cranes.
In May 2014, DP World will complete a significant terminal redevelopment involving the introduction of automated stacking cranes (ACSs). Under this system, DP World will transfer containers by manned shuttle carriers from the quay crane to a waterside exchange area at the front of a module serviced by an ACS. The ACSs will then automatically select and load containers onto trucks as they pass through the terminal.
According to DP World, the redeveloped terminal will have capacity to handle around 900,000 TEUs and significantly improve the efficiency of it existing terminal operations.