INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) recently implemented a new automation system at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and its Suape Container Terminal (SCT) in Brazil.
MICT rolled out a radio frequency identification (RFID)-based truck tracking system, developed by Identec Solutions and the first of its kind in Manila, while ICTSI subsidiary Tecon Suape SA (TSSA) implemented APS Technology Group’s systems on gate automation, quay crane optical character recognition (OCR), and yard tractor identification for SCT.
“The RFID-based gate and yard automation project represents ICTSI’s commitment to innovation and service to our clients. The truck tracking project will provide real-time visibility to trucking operations, decrease truck gate and yard cycle times, and improve RTG productivity,” ICTSI vice president and MICT general manager Christian Gonzalez said.
ICTSI is also looking at the RFID project as a model for other terminal operations, he added.
When completed, over 5,000 trucks will use RFID tags and sensors for gate automation, locating within the terminal and automating truck-RTG handoffs and job promotion. The RFID system will be integrated with Identec’s container terminal automation system, a tracking software for real-time monitoring.
In Brazil, APS Technology brings its OCR solution and process automation technology to SCT. TSSA is implementing key APS systems to support volume growth, reduce operational costs, and to meet customs requirement to install OCR at its gates.
TSSA took in APS after the latter successfully completed a similar project in Guayaquil Container and Multipurpose Terminals, ICTSI’s terminal in Ecuador.
“Recife is considered one of the biggest logistics centers in Brazil and, at TSSA, we are updating our information technology infrastructure to meet continued volume growth at the terminal,” said TSSA chief cxecutive Sergio Kano.
