ABB enhances loading and discharge operations at Rio Grande container terminal

Brazilian maritime logistics operator, Wilson Sons, has selected

employed at the Rio Grande container terminal.

ABB’s OCR system will be utilised for the ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes

at the terminal, and the QuayPro module will be used to digitalise container

stowage confirmation processes.

The OCR system automates the process of capturing data as containers are

loaded and discharged by STS cranes.

Using ABB’s advanced AI imaging technology, the system captures container

numbers, ISO codes, door orientation, bolt seal presence and hazardous material

labels, as well as recording images for damage inspection purposes.

The module determines the actual stowage position of containers during

vessel loading operations, providing input to the terminal operating system to

create an accurate outbound BAPLIE (bayplan/stowage plan occupied and empty

locations message) file, in addition to confirming the accuracy of inbound stow

positions.

Any deviation from the load or discharge plan is reported in real time,

meanwhile crane drivers receive audiovisual work instructions, enabling the

terminal to adapt to dynamic variations.

Adding the OCR system with QuayPro to the existing gate system supports the

terminal’s vision to automate and digitalise its processes.

The combination of ABB’s OCR system and the QuayPro module makes it

possible to streamline the stowage confirmation process and thus increase

operational productivity.

“This partnership means one more step towards our commitment to achieve

even more efficient and sustainable operations through technology and process

automation,” said Paulo Bertinetti, Executive Director of the Rio Grande

container terminal.

The company has been using ABB’s automated gate systems both at its Rio

Grande and Salvador container terminals since 2013.

“ABB Crane OCR gives us an efficiency edge while the ability to streamline

the stowage process automatically represents a productivity differentiator,”

said Giovanni Phonlor, Operations Director of the Rio Grande container

terminal.

“Minimising the risk of error on data entry means more efficient

operations,” Phonlor added.

The operational solution includes ABB MatchMaker which identifies the

terminal trucks, allowing for the automated handoff between crane and terminal

vehicles.

In July 2021, ABB deployed a new online platform using cloud-based

analytics and data visualisation to optimise ship performance.

In August 2021, Wilson Sons incorporated the IMO TIER III standard in the

company’s four tugboats.