DCT Gdańsk, a member of the PSA Group through PSA International, has placed an order for 10 new semi-automated rubber tire gantry cranes (ARTGs) from Konecranes. The order incudes retrofitting 15 existing Konecranes RTGs to operate by remote control.

“The new ARTGs as well as the retrofitted cranes will be state-of-the-art. They will be equipped with the latest ARTG technologies from Konecranes, which include a fully automated gantry. Remote Operating Stations (ROS) will supervise truck handling; Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology will be able to identify individual container numbers; and Internal/external truck recognition will be based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that captures smart labels through radio waves,” DCT said.

The contract highlights the benefits of taking a long term view when purchasing new equipment that is suitable to retrofit for automation and remote control at a later date. In 2015 DCT ordered 15 Konecranes RTGs and the cranes were delivered in 2016.

These cranes are electric-powered using a cable reel system (Cavotec) and feature Konecranes Active Load Control system, DGPS Autosteering and “Auto-Path Optimizer,” which uses the container profile measured by the Konecranes Stack Collision Prevention System to calculate the optimal path between the current container slot and the destination container slot. The cranes are also equipped with Konecranes’ TRUCONNECT remote monitoring system. From this specification the leap to bring the operator indoors with a remote control system is not so large.

DCT emphasised that moving to remote controlled machines brings multiple advantages. “They will ensure high efficiency and predictability of operations and will also improve safety, as human-machine interaction will be significantly lower than with traditional manually-operated RTGs. Finally, the delivery is in line with DCT’s commitment to sustainable operations and investments as both companies use environmentally-friendly solutions.”

“This is a very ambitious project that is central to our development plans. We needed a supplier with experience in operating both manual and automated cranes, as well as upgrading and integrating them into our PSA in-house software. We also wanted the most advanced machines that are equipped with smart features. We have confidence in Konecranes’ technical proposal in all respects,” said Mustafa Dagan, Technical Director of DCT Gdańsk.

“This purchase will strongly contribute to the development and technological advancement of our company, as well as ensure higher proficiency and safety for both our workers and clients. I am sure that it will help us move forward faster and more effectively with our new ambitious projects in the near future. Our cooperation with Konecranes also reflects our mutual commitment to sustainable operating and investing, providing services aimed at low carbon dioxide emissions both during the construction and the implementation of new equipment,” said Charles Baker, CEO of DCT Gdańsk.

Roman Ivanov, Sales Manager EMEA, Konecranes, Port Solutions, said: “We are very proud that DCT Gdańsk has chosen us for this important upgrade. We are confident that we can deliver as we have a proven track record in the supply of ARTG cranes and have references from many customers.”