Automated shuttle carrierr® concept: Comparison to conventional RTG crane and yard tractor concept

Abstract

The paper deals with innovative handling technologies of container terminals enabling the automation of transport and storage processes at terminal quayside and within the yard area. The presented shuttle carrier concept is based on the employment of Automated Shuttle Carriers R in combination with rail mounted stacking cranes, automatically operating storage blocks, arranged perpendicular to the quay wall. Beside a scenario-based investigation of system performance, by means of simulation, the shuttle carrier concept is compared with a conventional handling system using yard tractors for container transport and rubber-tyred gantry cranes for yard operation. The system comparison delivers results in terms of equipment and manning requirements as well as insights into the environmental impact of system operation, considering also rubber-tyred gantry cranes powered by electric energy. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.