Westports Malaysia operates the largest container terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia, handling just over 10M TEU in 2022.

Westports has released the following invitation to the industry:

“Westports Malaysia is excited to announce that we are actively exploring the feasibility of incorporating electric Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) into our future terminal expansion plans. We cordially invite all reputable manufacturers and suppliers specialising in electric AGVs to submit a comprehensive proposal.

Key Proposal Requirements:

1. Electric AGV System: Please provide detailed specifications of your Electric AGV system, including capacity, navigation capabilities, safety features, and integration potential with our existing infrastructure.
2. Automated Charging Solutions: We are particularly interested in innovative charging solutions that optimise AGV uptime. Your proposal should outline how your automated charging technology ensures seamless and efficient replenishment of AGV power levels.
3. Integration and Compatibility: How your AGV system can seamlessly integrate with [the] Terminal Operating system
4. Cost Analysis: Provide a transparent cost breakdown, including initial setup expenses, ongoing maintenance, and potential cost savings compared to traditional AGV systems.”

Hutchison ports, through South Port Investment Holdings Limited, is a major shareholder in Westports. Hutchison Ports has experience with AGVs in Rotterdam, which it inherited from ECT in Rotterdam, and at Euromax, but as far as is known has never implemented an AGV system outside of Rotterdam.

Westports Malaysia has some immediate challenges for AGV operations. Firstly, it is a very long terminal, with 5.8km of continuous quay. The quay is built out into the water on a jetty connected to the RTG yard by bridges. It does not have the 100-120m apron between the quay and the yard that AGV terminals use for a buffer zone/traffic management, and none of the STS cranes has a second hoist system for landside handling. 

As it operates currently, Westports needs a large fleet of terminal tractors to service its STS cranes and RTGs because of the long travel distances from the quay to the stack. In 2022 it operated 218 RTGs and 607 terminal tractors. Furthermore, the terminal is a very dense operation, with yard capacity utilisation averaging 76% over the last three years.

While implementing AGVs at Westports looks difficult, the prospect of having a new customer with a 10M TEU terminal interested in AGVs is an opportunity Konecranes, ZPMC, VDL, ST Engineering and other AGV suppliers will find hard to resist.

Westports invites parties looking for further information and to submit a proposal to email the following address: veera@westports.com.my.