APM Terminals has successfully trialled a new Load Collision Prevention System (LCPS) at Bahrain’s Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) and is set to roll it out across the company’s global network.
KBSP was selected as the first terminal to live-test the LCPS which is designed to mitigate the risk of accidents due to collisions in the container yard between container handling equipment and stacked containers.
Distance detection equipment, spearheaded by cameras and enhanced night vision technology, were installed on KBSP’s Rubber-Tire Gantry Cranes (RTGs) and Reach Stackers (RS). Coupled with procedural changes, the “Project Stack” pilot program follows two years of research, engineering and initial testing by APM Terminals.
Project Stack is part of an on-going programme of safety-focused productivity assignments at KBSP.
A “Differential Global Positioning System” on the terminal RTG’s has been implemented by the terminal’s IT department. The system ensures container positions are updated automatically, eliminating human error, reducing handling times and increasing productivity.
The Equipment Maintenance and Repair (EMR) department’s contribution is a “Total Productive Maintenance” program, designed to maximise equipment reliability and performance with a goal of reducing equipment breakdowns by 90% within three years.
New internet access points at terminal storage buildings have enhanced data coverage and analytics.
Working closely with the existing Terminal Operating System (TOS), covering gate transactions and the container yard, the upgraded system includes Verified Gross Mass (VGM) capability to help customers comply with the recent IMO amendment to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements.
“Our HSSE, Terminal Asset Management and IT teams have all been working closely together on the recent safety initiatives that APM Terminals is implementing globally,” stated APM Terminals Bahrain Managing Director, Mark Hardiman.
“Our goal is to ensure we have safe operations. These initiatives create a safe place to work for our employees, contractors and the external truck drivers visiting the terminal.”
KBSP’s throughput for the six months to June 30 was 188,634 TEU.
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