Logistics News

DP World Brisbane to make full switch to new terminal in April

Stevedore expects new semi-automated terminal will be fully operational by April 30

 

Early glitches with DP World Brisbane’s new semi-automated terminal have not deterred the stevedore, with the announcement the terminal will begin full operations by the end of next month.

DP World began partially using the terminal in February and anticipated beginning full operations in May, but it now expects that to happen by April 30.

DP World Australia Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah says there have been “inevitable teething problems”, which have affected landside and vessel operations and caused delays.

However, he says the stevedore is working through the issues and that any temporary inconveniences will outweigh the terminal’s benefits once it is fully operational.

“We are targeting the end of April as the point at which all of our Brisbane volume will be handled under automation,” Scurrah says.

“Over the next few weeks we will be increasing the number of vessels that we work under automation as the initial system glitches are eliminated.

“We will do everything within our power to mitigate operational delays to both vessels and road operations.”

The existing terminal will remain operational until the full transition is completed.

The new terminal involves the use of manned shuttle carriers transferring containers from the quay crane to a waterside exchange area in front of a module serviced by automated stacking cranes.

 “This project is an important initiative that will bring a significant boost to our terminal capacity, both in terms of the volume that we are able to handle as well as the efficiency of our landside and quay line interfaces,” Scurrah says.

He says the move to a semi-automated system has been a complex task that has involved an operating system upgrade, sophisticated terminal handling equipment and an advanced computerised control system.

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