The nature and level of container terminal automation can be confusing, as the term “automated terminal” can refer to several different aspects. The definition relies on operational automation, implying the physical systems in place for container handling within the terminal facility. From that perspective, three main levels of terminal automation can be considered:
- A. Semi-Automated Terminal. A facility where vertical movements (stacking) have been automated using Automated Stacking Cranes (1). Therefore, only one form of automation has been implemented to improve yard operations.
- B. Fully Automated Terminal. A facility where both the vertical and horizontal movements (pier to yard) have been automated. This can occur through a combination of Automated Stacking Cranes (1) and Automated Guided Vehicles (2) or through Automated Straddle Carriers (3). The latter technology allows vertical and horizontal movements simultaneously but requires more yard space due to lower stacking density. All yard activities are fully automated.
- C. Completely Automated Terminal. A facility where both vertical and horizontal movements are automated in addition to remote-controlled (or automated) Ship-to-Shore Cranes (4). All terminal activities from the ship to the container pickup location are automated. The only non-automated aspect of terminal operations concerns trucks crossing the gate to pick up or drop off containers.
There is also process automation across the full range of operations management, including labor and personnel, as well as yard optimization and gate access, all of which can be implemented separately. Terminal gate automation is a process automation that involves optical character recognition (for license plate, container, and chassis identification), automated terminal access control (with RFID and biometrics), and appointment systems. Therefore, gate automation, as a form of process automation, is considered separately from operational automation, since it can be implemented independently. Still, it requires physical systems to be in place, but those are much less capital-intensive.