DP World revealed on the sidelines of the Logistics Middle East Awards 2017 that its T2 container terminal at Jebel Ali Port will be fully automated within the coming 24 months.
“Terminal 2 is automation-ready in terms of groundwork and the cabling infrastructure, but a decision has not yet been made on when the conversion will go ahead,” said Hesham Abdulla, executive director, general cargo, RORO and logistics, DP World.
“What we are doing is installing a control room at T2 from which Terminal 2 and T4 will be operated. It will be fully automated within the coming 24 months,” he added.
Abdulla was collecting the award for Supply Chain Hub of the Year at the Logistics Middle East Awards 2017. He added that although a firm date had not been decided for the conversion of Terminal 2, its automation was inevitable.
“Automation is the future of the maritime industry, especially when it comes to container terminals. It has helped DP World in many ways, from process enhancement, accuracy of data, accuracy in terms of handling and lowering risk, and productivity,” he said.
According to Abdulla, productivity at Jebel Ali Port has increased by 7 to 8 berth moves per hour since the opening of the automated Terminal 3. Terminal 4, due to be launched in December this year, will also be fully automated.
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