terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

Converting
Converting a manual RTG

a manual RTG
terminal to an
AutoRTG terminal

Converting to AutoRTG – the next step towards

improving performance

Authors

timo Alho
TOMMI PETTERSSON
MIKA VIRTANEN

1
 Automation is the next
step towards improving
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

performance
Converting a manual RTG

This white paper describes the possibilities and processes of converting a rubber-tyred gantry crane
(RTG) terminal to automated operation (Kalmar AutoRTG). Increasing the automation level of a
terminal with products that automate a single part of the operation or the whole process is recognised
as the next step towards improving performance at today’s container terminals. The benefits of
automation include lower operational costs as well as improved terminal productivity, capacity, safety
and security.

Automating an existing RTG terminal is a complex project that requires deep expertise, careful
planning, a capacity for wide-ranging systems integration and the ability to consider numerous factors
beyond technical implementation. Besides the actual automated system, there is also extensive
change management within the entire organisation of the terminal, as operating an automated
terminal requires a thorough change of business processes as well as different skillsets for the people
operating the terminal.

In this paper, we examine several of these areas, ranging from the financial impact of automation to
terminal and infrastructure design as well as organisational considerations. Finally, we look at proven
results from the advanced RTG installation at Norway’s largest freight port in Oslo.

1. Why AutoRTG?
1.1 RTG benefits
Rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) are the most popular equipment
choice for container stacking at terminals around the world, especially
where high-capacity stacking and good manoeuvrability are key
requirements. With a global installation base of some 8,000 machines,
approximately 60% of the world’s container terminals use RTGs.

Automated RTGs are suitable for the same types of terminals as

manually operated rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The main reasons to
choose an RTG setup compared to other terminal concepts include
simplicity as well as relatively low capital expenditures and infrastructure
costs for deployment. RTGs are also highly flexible; by contrast with
rail-mounted automatic stacking cranes (ASCs), the rubber-tyred cranes
can be driven to a different area of the terminal if, for example, additional
capacity is needed at another stack.

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 RTGs also offer high stacking density and an easy automation upgrade
path that is compatible with older equipment. As RTGs are able to
interact with both road trucks and terminal tractors, the RTG concept is
equally suited to both transshipment and import-export operations.
When considering the choice of automation solution and terminal
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

concept, it is important to remember that the question is not an either/or

choice. Hybrid terminal layouts utilising multiple horizontal transportation
and/or crane technologies are also possible.
Converting a manual RTG

1.2 Benefits of automated operation

An automated RTG terminal offers several clear advantages over

a traditional manually operated terminal. The most immediate and
most easily quantified gain is significant savings in terminal operating
expenses such as labour and maintenance costs. Other direct benefits
include increased efficiency, more predictable operations, higher
availability, significantly improved occupational safety, better site security
and longer equipment life spans.

An automated RTG terminal can utilise various options for horizontal

transportation equipment. These can range from traditional terminal
tractors and manual shuttle carriers to automated guided vehicles
and fully automated shuttle carriers. When automating an existing
RTG terminal with an AutoRTG solution, a major benefit is that the
full horizontal transportation system does not necessarily need to be
revamped, but the existing terminal tractors can remain in operation.

Automation brings benefits to terminals of any size. In RTG terminals,

the benefits typically become most apparent when operating half a
dozen or more RTGs. However, even a very small terminal can realise
performance gains from the first level of automation (remote-controlled
operation). Automation can be implemented in steps; even a small
investment will reap immediate benefits, and more can always be added
later.

RTG automation is relatively new in the industry; however, proven

Automated technologies from ASCs are increasingly being deployed in this field.
An often-heard remark from people seeing an automated terminal for
equipment the first time is how smooth the operation seems. No aggressive driving

conserves is seen, no containers are banging on the ground, and everything

proceeds in a steady, systematic fashion. In an automated terminal,
resources and equipment is always handled optimally. Collisions due to human error

contributes and unplanned repair tasks are eliminated.

to the Automated equipment also conserves resources and contributes to

sustainability the sustainability of operations. Significant fuel and energy savings are
realised through optimal driving patterns as well as the reduced need for
of operations. air-conditioning and yard lighting.

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 2. Terminal implications
2.1 Timeframes for conversion

The time required for the conversion of a manual RTG terminal to

terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

automatic operation depends greatly on the specific design, needs,

operational environment and business goals of the terminal, in addition
to target automation level, desired phasing of the project and the
Converting a manual RTG

amount of equipment. However, a typical timeframe for an automation

conversion project might be 12 to 30 months, though this is contingent
on numerous factors including the need for possible terminal operating
system (TOS) upgrades.

When planning the conversion timeframe, a key consideration is

whether to optimise for maximum testing of new systems or for the swift
adoption of the new processes and organisational culture required by
automated operations. A slower transition will enable more thorough
technical testing and training of operational personnel, but a quicker
transition may be preferable for organisational reasons.

2.2. Managing the transition period

In any automation project, a key priority is carrying out the conversion

with minimal disruption to the existing operations of the terminal. This
requires careful advance planning.

Key priority is An RTG terminal can be automated in several steps, each implementing

carrying out further levels of automation. Automating an RTG terminal does

not necessarily require any changes to the terminal layout, but an
the conversion automation-optimised layout may improve efficiency, especially if the

with minimal horizontal transportation concept is re-organised.

disruption If horizontal transport is also automated, the procedures for STS

to existing operation, landside interface and reefer operations will change

completely. Alternative processes may need to be introduced also to
operations. handle non-standard cargo that cannot be taken into the automated
area, as well as for empty container handling. However, it is also
important to remember that RTG automation can be realised without
changes to the terminal layout.

Change management of the workforce needs to be taken into account

from the very beginning. The professional profile of the people operating
and managing automated equipment will be markedly different from
the staff running a manual terminal. Completely new skill sets are
needed, and maintenance standards will need to be revised thoroughly.
A well-planned automation project will also encompass training of the
workforce as well as further development of the skills of equipment
operators.

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 3. Infrastructure
3.1 The big picture

When automating rubber-tyred gantry cranes, the existing terminal

terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

infrastructure can in most cases be left as it is. However, to gain

additional operational efficiencies at the more advanced levels of
automation, layout changes can give a significant increase in the
Converting a manual RTG

capacity of the terminal within the same land area.

An RTG automation conversion project can also be a natural point

at which to carry out forward-looking upgrades on other terminal
equipment. For example, diesel-electric RTGs can be upgraded to
electric-powered RTGs which will be easier to automate in the future.

3.2 Separating people and machines

The number one priority in an automated terminal is maintaining strict

separation between automated operations and areas in which people
work, and designing safe yet practical interfaces between the two. In an
AutoRTG terminal, particular attention needs to be devoted to truck lane
operations in which road vehicles and their drivers are in the area.

For automated horizontal transport, processes must be developed for

all activities that involve people moving in the same area as the transport
equipment. These include, for example, the handling of exceptions. All
non-standard cargo that requires manual handling also needs to be
kept out of the automated operating area.

3.3 Software integration

Automated equipment is only as good as the software controlling it.

To obtain the desired performance from automated container handling
equipment, the terminal’s ERP (enterprise resource planning), TOS and
other systems must be up to the task, and designed to seamlessly fulfil
the required business processes while providing efficient ways to handle
exceptions.

An efficient automated terminal requires that business processes

are mapped carefully, and the systems are designed to follow these
processes seamlessly. Software integration needs to take place at
all levels, from yard equipment to process automation. The complete
system design, including all subsystems, has to be implemented
according to a single set of business processes and exception
scenarios, where the roles and interfaces between the subsystems and
users are clearly specified.

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 Smooth and efficient deployment of new technology in an automation
project requires thorough testing to ensure that all subsystems form a
solution that complies with planned business processes. The execution
of all business processes has to be confirmed first in a lab environment
where all subsystems are present and end-to-end scenarios have to be
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

verified with simulation and emulation before starting the testing in a live
environment.
Converting a manual RTG

Kalmar can offer a comprehensive emulation environment that runs an

authentic terminal logistic system with simulated vehicles and cranes.
Complex deployments can include a number of different software
versions and releases from multiple vendors, which can all be tested
beforehand with actual terminal data.

3.4 Integration services

Integrating an automated container terminal is a significant task

that demands seamless interfaces between numerous systems and
subsystems. The task can be simplified greatly by professional services
delivered by a trusted systems provider. In addition to testing, such
services can include, for example, integration management that involves
coordinating multiple sub-projects to deliver a single solution to the
customer; or operational consulting that identifies ways the terminal can
improve its operational processes.

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 4. Automation conversion
4.1 Degrees of automation in an AutoRTG terminal

RTG terminals can be set up with several levels of automation, from

terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

basic crane remote control all the way to fully automated operation. The
desired automation level can be selected based on the existing systems,
operating environment and business goals of the terminal. Typically,
Converting a manual RTG

process automation is deployed prior to – and alongside – automated

equipment as the first step in gaining the benefits of terminal automation.

4.1.1 Remote control

The most basic level of terminal equipment automation is remote control,

which already enables a single operator to control multiple cranes. For
manual RTGs, crane idle time is usually approximately 50%. In a typical
situation, a terminal might need to manage 10 RTGs at night with only
a few road trucks arriving, because the required containers are located
around the yard.

Remote control provides the possibility of adjusting the manning level of

the terminal based on the true amount of moves needed instead of the
number of cranes, as the operators are located in an office environment
at remote control desks, able to take over control of any crane in the
terminal. Typically, a single operator can manage up to three RTGs
remotely.

4.1.2 Remote control with driver assistance

At the next level of automation, the crane makes automatic gantry and
trolley moves under the operator’s supervision. This mode of operation
streamlines operations and saves valuable seconds on each move,
providing significant incremental gains over time. Automatic gantry
steering is already the norm in new RTG installations. Other automated
solutions that are rapidly gaining ground include container location
systems and stack profiling which increases safety through improved
collision avoidance.

4.1.3 Semi-automated operations

More advanced automation features can be added for even higher

efficiency and performance. In semi-automated RTG operations, the
crane gantry and trolley are under fully automatic control. This is a major
step in the overall safety approach, as the equipment functions without
an operator. Container handling operations in the stack and truck lane are
still controlled remotely by an operator.

4.1.4 Fully automated operations

Finally, in a fully automated RTG setup, all crane functions including hoist
operation, container picking and placing, and stack housekeeping are
automated. If needed, an operator can still step in to manage exceptions
remotely. Only the servicing of trucks in the truck lane happens under
remote control.

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 4.2 Step-by-step automation approach

In any terminal automation project, the key consideration is maintaining

maximum throughput during the conversion. Many terminals have
containers moving 24/7 at the quay and roadside, so operations cannot
be shut down for automation deployment.
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

Often, the most practical way to automate an RTG terminal is an

incremental conversion following the automation levels outlined above.
Converting a manual RTG

However, this is not the only option, as areas of the terminal can also
be automated in one go, for example on a block-by-block basis. The
Process optimum choice will always depend on the business needs of the
terminal.
automation is
an easy way to Whether automating the terminal with a step-by-step or block-by-
block approach, the cost savings can immediately be measured and
begin evaluated as the conversion progresses. A well-planned automation
automating a project will also involve adding readiness for future automation levels
that may be needed at a later date.
terminal and
will continue 4.3 Process automation

Irrespective of the automation level and conversion type chosen for

to deliver the RTGs and other terminal equipment, an additional way to realise
increased significant performance gains in any terminal is through software-
based process automation. Small incremental productivity gains from
value as keeping track of containers, eliminating manual input of information
more of the and optimising crane, container and equipment moves add up to
significant savings per year. Process automation is an easy way to begin
equipment is automating a terminal and will continue to deliver increased value as
automated. more of the equipment is automated.

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 The most 5. Safety and security
crucial safety
element in any Safety is always paramount in any terminal operation. Automated
terminals provide significant improvements in occupational safety by
automated
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

keeping people out of the operating area of moving heavy machinery.

terminal is As an example from automated straddle carrier terminals, the Patrick

container terminal in Brisbane has become one of the safest in the
maintaining
Converting a manual RTG

world since the adoption of the Kalmar AutoStrad™ system. To date,

strict the terminal has operated for nine years with zero accidents.

separation The most crucial safety element in any automated terminal is

between maintaining strict separation between automated areas and those with
people working in them. In an RTG terminal, the key area to consider is
automated the truck lane, which must be engineered to provide a safe yet practical

areas and interface for loading and unloading outside road trucks. Particular
attention must be paid to the driver interface and the driver waiting
those with areas. To maintain adequate throughput with roadside operations, road

people trucks must also be able to drive safely in and out of the truck lane at
designated places along the length of the truck lane.
working in
them. For RTG operations, another key safety consideration is container
handling, both in the stack and during loading/unloading. Safety can
be further improved with automated gantry steering, anti-truck lifting
which prevents a locked chassis from being accidentally lifted, and
stack profiling which eliminates the risk of containers being accidentally
knocked off the stack.

Automated RTGs can accommodate any type of automated or manual

horizontal transport equipment depending on the needs and existing
infrastructure of the terminal. The required safety solutions will need to
be adapted depending on the type of horizontal transportation solution
chosen.

In addition to infrastructure and terminal layout considerations, a

different kind of safety mindset will need to be instilled throughout the
workforce. Adoption of safe working procedures for accessing the
automated area is required. Employees will also need to be trained
locally – a safety handbook in English is not enough.

An automated terminal will bring about a major change in the overall

working conditions of operating staff. By transitioning to indoor desk
work, employees will no longer need to work outdoors exposed to noise
and other emissions, cold and heat, bad ergonomics or vibrations.

Automated terminals improve the security of both cargo and personnel

thanks to automated container handling and location tracking of all
containers. Containers are not accessible in the automated zone
and cannot be set down in unauthorised areas. Increased security
contributes to customer trust and terminal competitiveness while
reducing financial losses.

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 6. Maintenance
Manual crane systems will work even the equipment is not in perfect
condition, since human operators can usually compensate for the quirks
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

and deficiencies of each individual piece of equipment. By contrast,

automated equipment always needs to be in 100% working condition to
deliver its full potential.
With automatic
Converting a manual RTG

operations, This requires a major change in practices and attitudes for maintenance
operations. With automatic operations, the emphasis shifts to more
the emphasis frequent preventive maintenance. However, as this maintenance is

shifts to more usually done at planned intervals, the caused impact to the operation
is minimal. As collisions and other accidents due to human error are
frequent eliminated, the need for ad hoc repairs is also reduced dramatically,

preventive bringing cost savings in the long term. Automated equipment can also
provide continuous updates on its status and can send alerts when any
maintenance. faults are detected.

7. Automating existing
equipment
The actual automation of most RTGs of recent model years is
relatively straightforward. Steering and driving is controlled by onboard
automation systems instead of from the cabin, while sensors and data
links are added for control, monitoring and system diagnostics.

Electric RTGs are the easiest to automate, as pre-existing cabling runs

can be used for remote control signals and zero-latency video feed.
Diesel-electric RTGs can also be converted to fully electric operation,
which will reduce emissions and can cut fuel costs by as much as 95%.
The return on investment can be less than two years. A turnkey project
includes the design and supply of power grid connections, substations,
conductor-bar system or cable-reel integration, taking into account the
full chain of interacting components

Kalmar’s automation solution is suitable for use with any brand of RTG
together with Kalmar equipment. However, there are limits due to the
age and type of cranes that may not be practical and/or economical to
automate, potentially leading to less than optimal performance. In older
models, sensor installation may not be feasible, but they can still be
remote controlled. A terminal can also successfully run different models
and generations of RTGs.

The best automation solution will always be based on the needs of the
customer. Working with a fully integrated system from a single vendor
– and upgrading equipment when necessary – is often the lowest risk
and most cost-effective solution for the terminal in the long run, when
considering the longer term maintenance of the solution in the rapidly
changing world of new technology.

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terminal to an AutoRTG terminal
Converting a manual RTG

The most significant cost savings from automation are due to the drastically smaller number of operators required.
Typically, a single operator can handle two to three AutoRTGs remotely, and in quiet periods even up to six
machines.

8. Human resources
The most significant and immediate cost savings from automation
are due to the drastically smaller number of (but more highly skilled)
operators required. Typically, a single operator can handle two to three
AutoRTGs remotely, and in quiet periods even up to six machines.

8.1 Changing skill sets

Automation is where IT meets engineering. In a traditional manual

terminal, these are typically two separate teams that have little contact
with each other. With an automation rollout, they need to start co-
operating and form a joint team in which the skills and responsibilities
of the people match each other and mutual responsibilities are clearly
defined.

An automated terminal requires a significantly different profile of

employee. A different level of maintenance engineer skills is also
required for the stricter maintenance standards of automated
An automated equipment. In addition, automated operations will require new, different
terminal skill sets in several other areas, including:

requires a • Data and fact-based usage and analysis compared to

significantly operators reporting faults in equipment
• Understanding the operating principles of automated
different profile equipment and systems
of employee. • Systematic planning of operation and maintenance work

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 New tasks that will need to be handled include automation system
specialists; system optimisation engineers; IT system service and
maintenance professionals; and instructors for internal staff and external
parties.These competences can be built in-house or sourced from a
trusted external provider.
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

Successful and sustainable automation also requires new key

performance indicators (KPIs) for operation planning. These can include
Converting a manual RTG

system and subsystem-level performance measurement, tracking

of deviations from the normal level of performance, and operation
accuracy measuring. KPI measurement is usually part of the automated
system software and is monitored and reported automatically.

8.2 Need for open dialogue

In many geographies, limited availability of personnel, even at

competitive salaries, is a challenge. Automation can help mitigate
this issue, but also changes the profile and structure of the terminal
workforce. In general, an automated terminal will require a smaller but
more highly trained staff. Automation provides new job opportunities,
but also places additional demands on the workforce.

Successful change management requires an open dialogue with all

relevant parties. Human resources need to be taken into account from
the beginning. The significant workforce impact of automation needs to
be considered and planned carefully, working in cooperation with local
labour organisations and other stakeholders. Conditions, legislation and
industry labour norms will differ greatly from geography to geography, so
these questions can only be fully answered by the terminals themselves.

An often 9. Change management

overlooked or An often overlooked or underestimated fact is that automation is

underestimated foremost a major culture change in how a terminal operates. For an

automation deployment to be successful, managing this culture change
fact is that is more crucial than the technical implementation.

automation is The job profile of the workforce will be transformed, a new maintenance
foremost a approach is required, IT and engineering operations will need to

major culture converge, and business processes will need to be mapped and planned
more carefully than before.
change in
how a terminal Whether creating a new automated terminal or converting a manual
terminal to automated operation, change management is crucial.
operates. Equipment is easily replaced, but human behaviour takes more time to
adapt. Change is inevitable, so the question is how to manage it.

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 10. Financial impact
10.1 Metrics

Kalmar can work together with the customer to calculate the financial
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

impact of automation in different operational scenarios and with various

levels of automation. The exact numbers (OPEX, CAPEX, payback time,
ROI) will vary depending on the automation approach taken. Savings in
Converting a manual RTG

salary costs are the simple and immediately obvious benefit that is easy
to calculate together with the automation vendor. For more detailed
long-term projections, the terminal is the best expert in forecasting their
own future volumes and operations.

Automation projects always revolve around a basic wish list – an

idealised implementation that encompasses the swiftest possible
deployment, maximum performance improvement, and a totally
integrated turnkey solution. Success in practice will depend on skilful
optimisation of these and numerous other factors.

10.2 Integrated solution

A key consideration in an automation project is implementation time. On

one hand, terminals seek to minimise the cost of conversion, often by
combining components from multiple vendors. On the other hand, every
interface between two systems needs to be not only integrated, but also
maintained through the lifetime of the solution. The simpler the overall
system and the fewer interfaces that need to be integrated and tested,
the faster the implementation.

Simply optimising for the cost of individual subsystem components

is a shortsighted approach. A delay of just a few weeks on a major
automation project can cost of millions of euros in terminal downtime
as time to value is extended. If automation is built with a ”bits and
pieces” approach, the terminal may save in the very short run, but
these savings can be lost already at the deployment stage due to the
added complexity of integration and slower ramp-up of productivity.
By contrast, a vendor that can offer a completely integrated turnkey
solution will be able to provide a system that is not only deployed faster,
but is also more cost-effective as a whole, while providing lower lifetime
maintenance and support costs.

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 Benefits will 10.3 Additional savings

In addition to the direct benefits of lower operating expenses and

be reaped by improved terminal performance, automation offers indirect cost savings

forward-looking in numerous other areas as well. Automatic driving eliminates collisions

and accidents in the container yard, which will decrease the insurance
operators
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

premiums of the terminal.

seeking to For an RTG terminal, automation can also safely enable somewhat
stay ahead
Converting a manual RTG

higher stacking density, as many manual terminals currently leave the

in today’s stack partially lower due to safety reasons.

intensely 10.4 Competitive advantage

competitive Compared with numerous other fields, automation is still a new

development for the terminal industry. Automation adoption rates vary
global container greatly from geography to geography, and terminals will look to the
shipping automation level of other terminals on the same trade routes and/or in
the same region.
industry.
Terminal demand for AutoRTG solutions has been growing markedly
in the last few years. At the time of writing, in early 2015, competitive
advantage was still available for first movers that adopt automation
sooner than their competitors. Conversely, without automation,
terminals will inevitably fall behind in competition against automated
terminals in the same region. In the worst case, this may even mean the
end of business for the terminal.

For greenfield terminals, automation is already the norm rather than

the exception. It is highly unlikely that any major new terminals will be
built for traditional fully manual operation, at least without very careful
consideration of all available automation options. For existing terminals,
the benefits of automation are equally clear, and over the next few years
these benefits will be reaped by forward-looking operators seeking to
stay ahead in today’s intensely competitive global container shipping
industry.

11. Case study:

Port of Oslo
Over 125,000 containers are unloaded each year at the Port of Oslo in
Norway. Together with a yearly throughput of one million tonnes of dry
cargo, including grain, sand, cement and salt, the Sjursøya Container
Terminal in the port’s South Harbour is aiming to increase container
throughput from 210,000 to 450,000 TEU annually. The Port of Oslo is
located in a densely populated urban area, which posed the challenge
of doubling the capacity of the port by the year 2030 without increasing
noise, pollution and energy consumption.

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terminal to an AutoRTG terminal
Converting a manual RTG

In a turnkey project, Kalmar is delivering eight revolutionary all-electric,

50-tonne RTGs, providing the Port of Oslo with the world’s most
sophisticated RTG installation that combines automated positioning
technology and process automation. Semi-automation offers flexibility
for the future, allowing the terminal to take automation to the next level
when needed.

The RTG cranes installed at the port will be the most advanced in
the world and the first to benefit from the automated positioning
functionality realised within the Kalmar Terminal Logistic System
software platform and already used in Kalmar ASCs, AutoStrads™
and AutoShuttles™. This will be supported by a number of Kalmar
SmartPort process automation solutions.

To eliminate the risk of knocking down containers from the stack

into the truck lane, the cranes will be provided with a container
stack profiling system. The RTGs will also feature a complete data
transmission system between the control room and the cranes,
allowing the terminal to provide an optimum maintenance regime for
the equipment, and enabling the transfer of operational data for future
purposes. Productivity and efficiency are further improved through
Kalmar SmartStack, which reports container moves to the TOS without
any actions from the driver, automatically keeping track of the inventory.

As the first terminal to deploy this revolutionary technology in RTGs,

the Port of Oslo is able to make its operations more sustainable, safer
and quieter. Choosing Kalmar Zero Emission RTGs over diesel-electric
RTGs, CO2 emissions are reduced by over one million kilograms per
year for the fleet of eight RTGs. The port is also ranked as the world’s
most space-efficient terminal.

15
 Authors
terminal to an AutoRTG terminal

Timo Alho Tommi Pettersson MIKA VIRTANEN

Director, Terminal Automation, Vice President, Automation, Vice President, RTG and STS,
Kalmar, is a container terminal Kalmar, has strong experience Kalmar, has more than 20 years
Converting a manual RTG

automation professional with in software and hardware of industry experience and started
more than 15 years of experience development, automation project his career at Kalmar in 2002 as
in research and development, management and project sales development engineer for terminal
product management and sales in as well as related business model tractors. He moved on to Cargotec
international business environment. development. Before joining daughter company Bromma and
His background is in Kalmar Kalmar in May 2014, he worked was most recently Managing
straddle carrier and shuttle carrier as CEO in a Finnish industrial Director of Bromma Malaysia
automation development. He investment and development responsible for Bromma Supply,
lead the project of the onboard company focusing on demanding including engineering, sourcing
automation control system design automation solutions, and, and total deliveries. Since early
for automated straddle carriers prior to that, in management 2014, he is heading Kalmar’s RTG
including software architecture positions at Elqotec, a consumer and STS business lines which are
design, software development, electronics contract manufacturer. closely working together with the
testing, commissioning and joint venture Rainbow-Cargotec
support in Patrick’s AutoStrad Industries in China.
terminal project in Brisbane during
2000–2007. Timo Alho is currently
responsible for automation sales at
Kalmar.

About the company

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, offers the widest range of cargo
handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution
centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner
in terminal automation and in energy efficient container
handling, with one in four container movements around
the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through
its extensive product portfolio, global service network and
ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal
processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move.

Contact
www.kalmarglobal.com
kalmar@kalmarglobal.com

Keep in touch with us

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