Page 33 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 01.19

The container terminal of the future: Networked, intelligent, emission-free – simply flowing
Guest contribution by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carlos Jahn
Seaport container terminals form the central hub in the maritime transport chains for containerizable freight of all types. On limited areas, via time-sensitive processes a multitude of very differing technical system elements – from ocean-going vessels to container bridges/gantry cranes to straddle carriers and telescopic stackers – are mutually interlinked, also with the multimodal hinterland transport system comprising roads, rail and inland waterway craft.
FUTURE PORT ■
Container terminals face challenges on several fronts. Customers such as shipping companies, sea freight forwarders and carriers/transport companies expect rapid, reliable handling and storage services – even if weather or other factors cause timetable or other dis- ruptions. For society generally, transport that minimi- zes such emissions as CO2 and dust particles, noise and bright light, is increasingly gaining in importance. Especially where terminals are located in urban dis- tricts or beautiful natural surroundings, land use
needs to be more efficient. Extensions are proving in- creasingly problematical. Security is an additional sig- nificant challenge, e.g. on the handling of hazardous goods and prevention of criminal activities such as smuggling.
TECHNOLOGY BOOSTERS AND THE POTENTIAL
Container terminals will confront these manifold chal- lenges by utilizing innovative technologies. Four main technology boosters are of particular relevance here:
Port of Hamburg Magazine | March 2019 | 33
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