Strategic Analysis of the Automation of Container Port Terminals through BOT (Business Observation Tool)

Alberto Camarero Orive,José Ignacio Parra Santiago,Nicoletta González-Cancelas,María Magdalena Esteban-Infantes Corral

doi:10.3390/logistics4010003

Alberto Camarero Orive, José Ignacio Parra Santiago + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics4010003

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Journal: Logistics	Publication Date: Feb 4, 2020
Citations: 26	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Transport Canada, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Abstract

The port system is immersed in a process of digital transformation towards the concept of Ports 4.0, under the new regulatory and connectivity requirements that are expected of them. As a result of the changes that the industrial revolution 4.0 is imposing, based on new information technologies and the change of energy model, the electrification of modes of transport from alternative energies and the total digitalization of the processes is occurring. This conversion to digital, intelligent, and green ports requires the implementation of the new technologies offered by the market. The inclusion of these enabling tools has allowed the development of automated terminals under a functional approach. This article aims to offer the responsible entities a new methodology (BOT) that allows them to successfully undertake the automation of terminals, taking into account the reality of the conditions of the environment in which they are developed. By quantifying the factors that facilitate or impede implementation, it will be possible to determine the strategy to be followed and the necessary measures to be adopted in the project; constituting, therefore, a novel management and planning tool.

Highlights

Automated container port terminals have proliferated since the Europe Container Terminals (ECT) in Rotterdam, which began to be automated in 1984 [1]
The use of this tool allows us to establish the current scenario on which to act to achieve a correct implementation of port terminals, addressing and considering both micro and macro environmental aspects
The automation of port terminals is motivated by the benefits obtained from this process, such as a reduction in operating costs (OPEX), mainly due to a reduction in the workforce, an increase in terminal safety, or environmental benefits, as these are terminals with a higher density of containers that make better use of space and operate with electrical equipment

Summary

Introduction

Automated container port terminals have proliferated since the Europe Container Terminals (ECT) in Rotterdam, which began to be automated in 1984 [1]. The automation process is not exclusive to container terminals, the intrinsic characteristics of these terminals, such as their high degree of specialization and standardization (both in the transport element and in the way of handling the goods), and technological advances have protected the development of a high degree of automation in the equipment and processes of these facilities [3] These characteristics, together with the increase in competition in the port industry, have encouraged the development of automated terminals with the aim of reducing operating costs (OPEX), mainly in terms of labor, and seeking improvements in terms of productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability.

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