The conversion from manual operations at Port Botany was made in only four days, setting a benchmark for the  container terminal industry.

Patrick’s Port Botany is now the world’s second fully-automated AutoStrad(TM) terminal, operating with 45 Kalmar AutoStrads and real time control systems. It follows the automation success of Patrick’s Fisherman Island terminal in Brisbane, which was converted to an automated straddle carrier operation in 2005. The Fisherman Islands terminal experienced substantial improvements in safety and reliability and similar increases are expected at Port Botany.

“Our Port Botany terminal is one of the most sophisticated automated terminals in the world. Patrick and Kalmar’s successful relationship over many years is thanks to the strong teamwork between our companies,” comments Alistair Field, Director, Patrick Terminals and Logistics.

The automation technology used in Kalmar AutoStrads was developed in close cooperation between Kalmar and Patrick. The technology is based on a radar-based navigation system, maximising operating efficiency from gate to quayside. Kalmar acquired the AutoStrad technology and competence from Patrick’s parent company Asciano in 2012 with the aim to become a leading port automation supplier globally.

Kalmar AutoStrads can operate unmanned 24/7, eliminating human error and increasing workplace safety. In addition, the AutoStrad technology introduces predictable, process-driven reliability into stevedoring, improving terminal throughput while lowering operating costs, improving flexibility and promoting better environmental outcomes.

“The successful implementation of AutoStrad technology both in Brisbane and Sydney demonstrates the proven concept is ready to be deployed globally in terminals seeking for substantial improvement in productivity, safety, reliability as well as in operating costs,” comments Peter McLean, Vice President, Australia and New Zealand, Kalmar.

Kalmar continues to deliver lifetime support to Patrick’s operations in Port Botany through its Kalmar Maintenance Service Contract branded Kalmar Care. The contract includes continuous AutoStrad support from 47 Kalmar technicians and a team of automation and reliability engineers. Additionally the services contract includes maintenance support for eight ship-to-shore (STS) cranes of different makes and twelve Bromma spreaders.

The AutoStrad terminal is one of the concepts provided under the Kalmar OneTerminal offering, which was introduced to the market at the TOC Europe exhibition in June 2015.

UK manufacturer Dantec is a world leader in composite hose technology, with more than 40 years manufacturing and technical expertise delivering to over 50 countries. The distribution, stocking and service agreement with Fendercare Marine Asia Pacific covers the provision of composite hoses plus full hose testing, crimping facilities and additional bespoke related equipment. This enables Fendercare to move further towards an integrated one stop shop for established clients involved in liquid and bulk chemical transfer together with untapped markets including land based refineries and terminals.

Fendercare Marine has provided ship-to-ship (STS) services to the oil and shipping industries globally since 1995. Today these services are provided from a network of over 50 worldwide bases, currently handling in excess of 2,800 transfers a year. Their safety record is exemplary without a single environmental incident since they began STS services and in 2014 they transported over 360 million barrels across the world.

Head of Procurement, Ian Taylor commented “Fendercare Marine and Dantec have had a strong working relationship for many years and this new agreement helps to further cement that. Our joint focus on safety and reliability means that our customers know that with Fendercare Marine they will receive a world class STS and bunkering service, supported by market leading composite hose technology.”

Fendercare Marine is continually reviewing safety practices and previously worked with Dantec to gain practical advice on hose handling and support techniques during a typical STS transfer operation of liquefied gases. The handling, deployment and storage of hoses can have a major bearing on their safety, reliability and longevity; Fendercare Marine were keen to get expert advice on how to optimise the life of these products.

During the operation, Dantec were able to offer practical advice on the slinging, hoisting and support of the hoses and subsequently developed improvements to the process and prototype designed custom support devices for the STS application. The combination of this guidance has benefitted Fendercare Marine with enhanced safety working practices and an overall reduction in long term asset costs. Further to the handling advice, Dantec has also worked with Fendercare Marine on best practice issues regarding visual inspection and rejection criteria for marine hoses, which have been incorporated into Fendercare Marine’s training manuals.

Dantec Managing Director, John Laidlaw commented “Dantec are delighted to further strengthen our worldwide co-operation with Fendercare. Our companies work together, sharing the common goals of providing first class products and services to high level clients in the marine and Industrial market sectors. We view Singapore as being still the most important hub in the Asia Pacific region for our products, so we are extremely pleased that Fendercare have committed to unrivalled levels of production equipment and inventory to actively promote our products there.”

Fendercare Marine Asia Pacific was established in Singapore in 2000 and has enjoyed year-on-year growth on products and STS. In 2013, they had a turnover exceeding £30 million with a staff-strength of 28.

Over the past seven years Fendercare Marine Asia Pacific has increased the number of STS operations having successfully completed 157 in 2007 to over 330 last year. The range of locations being serviced has also increased during that time, with the company now operating in 6 designated STS locations in the region.

Nearby Fendercare Marine Malaysia Sdn Bhd is licensed and has its own designated anchorage to oversee all the STS operations on 4 VLCC floating storage vessels in Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. The company also provides Pilotage/Mooring
Master assistance to various other projects in and around the Asia Pacific region.