similar facilities. These large battery exchange buildings
have stacks of battery packs, which are retrieved by
cranes and placed into the AGVs. The entire process
is completely automated, with no direct human
involvement. We’ve been privileged to work with POLA
and POLB to design some of the cleanest and most
advanced container terminals in the world.
What are some unique demands of designing port
infrastructure?
MS: The port facilities we design have very specific
functions. Since the primary focus is to develop designs
that meet the exact functional requirements of the
terminal operators, it’s important that design teams
really listen and communicate with them. Coordination
with their transportation and lift equipment vendors is
also crucial. Additionally, all the equipment operates in a
marine environment and it needs to last in this harsh and
corrosive environment.
Automated Guided Vehicles at LBCT Terminal
What forces do you believe will have the biggest impact
on port design in the future?
MS: The shipping industry continues to evolve, with
many mergers occurring in the last few years. To remain
competitive, some shipping lines have increased the size
of their largest container vessels by up to 20,000 TEU.
Terminal operators have completed or plan to complete
modernizations and upgrades to accommodate these
vessels. Ports and government agencies are contributing
with upgraded infrastructure, as seen by the Gerald
Desmond Bridge Replacement, which will span the
POLB’s Back Channel and have higher clearance for
these new, larger cargo ships. Technology will continue
to drive innovation, and automation will extend beyond
cargo handling to the container ships themselves and to
on-dock rail. New requirements for weighing containers
that improve cargo handling and transport safety are
already mandatory at some ports and will expand
to others.
How are ports addressing the challenge of rapidly
growing global maritime trade?
MS: Substantially increasing available space is not an
option for most container terminals. Ports and terminal
operators are using technology to get the next best thing,
better use of their currently available space. Automation
greatly improves the efficiency of container handling.
It greatly enhances throughput and helps terminal
operators better utilize the space that they have.
How are ports reducing emissions and energy
consumption? Are there other environmental concerns
ports need to consider?
MS: The San Pedro Bay Ports have been aggressively
engaged with emissions reductions for over a decade,
with the implementation of the 2006 Clean Air Action
Plan and now the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan update.
Their broad approach includes cleaner solutions for
container ships, trucks, container handling equipment
and vehicles, increased use of on-dock rail and more
energy efficient buildings and infrastructure. The ports
have also demonstrated a commitment to renewable
energy resources with large solar PV installations and
they are now looking towards battery storage systems.
How is automation changing the port landscape?
MS: Automation significantly increases terminal
efficiency, but the initial investment of time and resources
can be a barrier to entry. However, with the increasing
adoption of these technologies worldwide, more terminals
will be able to utilize automation in the future. Automation
will also change port staffing needs. They’ll need a highly
skilled workforce for the transition to automation, as
staff with new maintenance and support skills will be
required to keep the automated terminals operating.
Automated systems are highly dependent on electrical
communications infrastructure, which will re-confirm
the importance of infrastructure resiliency, reliability
and security.
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