ABB will improve data quality and efficiency of loading and unloading operations at Wilson Sons’ Tecon Rio Grande
Wilson Sons, the largest integrated port and maritime logistics operator in the Brazilian market, acquired the optical character recognition (OCR) system from the company ABB, to be implemented in STS cranes at Tecon Rio Grande (RS), which includes the QuayPro module , to digitize the container stowage confirmation processes.
Wilson Sons – Tecon Rio Grande is the most automated in Brazil
Since 2013, the company has been using ABB’s automated gate systems at Tecon Rio Grande and Tecon Salvador container terminals. The implementation of the OCR system together with the QuayPro software, incorporated into the existing system, consolidates the company’s objective of automating and digitizing the terminal processes. “This partnership represents another step in our commitment to obtain even more efficient and sustainable operations, through technology and process automation”, says Paulo Bertinetti, executive director of Tecon Rio Grande.
The terminal will be the first in Brazil to also use ABB’s QuayPro Software to digitize container stowage confirmation processes
The OCR solution provided by ABB automates the data capture process as containers are loaded and unloaded by STS cranes. With ABB’s advanced artificial intelligence imaging technology, the system captures the number of each container, ISO codes, orientation of doors, presence of screw seals, and labels that indicate the existence of hazardous materials, in addition to recording images for damage inspection purposes. With the exception management system, responsible professionals can remotely correct or adjust transactions in real time.
The solution also includes ABB MatchMaker™, which identifies trucks operating in the terminal, allowing for automated transfer between cranes and terminal vehicles.
Wilson Sons acquires an optical character recognition (OCR) system from the company ABB, to be implemented in STS (ship-to-shore) cranes at Tecon Rio Grande
“ABB’s OCR system gives us an advantage in terms of efficiency, while the ability to streamline the stowage process automatically represents a differentiator for productivity,” says Giovanni Phonlor, Director of Operations at Tecon Rio Grande. “Minimizing the risk of data entry errors means more efficient operations. Technology works hand in hand with leaner, greener operations, ready for growth in traffic and vessel capacity,” he added.
Combining the OCR system with ABB’s QuayPro module, it is possible to simplify the stowage confirmation process, resulting in greater productivity.
With the new QuayPro module, the OCR system for cranes not only automates the identification of containers, but also confirms their final location on the vessel
The module determines the actual position of containers during vessel loading operations, providing information to the terminal’s operating system, resulting in a more accurate BAPLIE file (with information regarding occupied and empty spaces in the loading plan), in addition to confirming the positions summer initials. Any deviation from the loading or unloading plan is reported in real time, allowing the terminal to adapt to dynamic variations. In addition, crane operators receive audiovisual work instructions.
Upgrade in operations
“The new QuayPro module is more than an extension of the OCR system; it will change the way container terminals operate. We are proud to be able to further strengthen our relationship with Wilson Sons and see the positive impact of our technology on the operations of Tecon Rio Grande”, said Richard Micheli, OCR Product Line Manager at ABB Marine & Ports.
Tecon Rio Grande is the most automated container terminal in Brazil. It maintains in its structure nine STSs (Ship to Shore Container Crane — capable of operating in ships of up to 24 containers in width) and 22 RTGs (Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane, overhead cranes on wheels used to move containers in the yard), in addition to two Mobile Cranes (cable-controlled crane), nine Reach Stackers (container stackers) and 56 yard tractors.
Most automated container terminal
The terminal in Rio Grande do Sul also has 10 fully automated gates, a technology also implemented in partnership with ABB, for entering and leaving the terminal with biometrics, automatic weighing and ticket printing, in addition to 2,800 outlets for refrigerated containers (reefer).
Through Tecon Rio Grande, Wilson Sons also became, in 2022, the first company in Latin America to join TIC 4.0 (Terminal Industry Committee), the global committee for innovation in port terminals. TIC 4.0 coordinates the implementation of the 4th industrial revolution in the cargo handling sector, bringing together global players from both the terminal operators industry and manufacturers and suppliers of cutting-edge port equipment and technology.
Last year, Wilson Sons, in a permanent quest to improve its services with technology, also updated the version of the system for operations at Tecon Rio Grande. The new version of the global leader in port terminal management Navis N4, 3.8, brings a series of improvements, such as mobility to the ship’s plan and the yard, which can now be done via tablet.
The new platform also allows adding new modules as if they were applications, reducing time and investment in new resources. In addition to being a more modern system, which prepares the terminal for new investments in automation, the tool streamlines the management of EDI’s (Electronic Data Interchange) for managing the interface with shipowners. There is also a gain in overall performance and system speed, as it reduces the incidence of malfunctions.
Tecon Rio Grande also has Teconline, a platform with more than two decades of operation and more than 2,600 active users from different countries, which serves carriers, brokers, shipowners, consenting bodies, customers, freight forwarders, among others. , in querying information regarding cargo, ship scheduling and schedules.
Sobre a Wilson Sons
Wilson Sons is the largest integrated port and maritime logistics operator in the Brazilian market, with 185 years of experience. The company has national coverage and offers complete solutions to more than 5 thousand customers, including shipowners, importers and exporters, offshore energy industry, renewable energy projects, agribusiness sector, in addition to other participants in various segments of the economy.
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About ABB
ABB’s Process Automation segment is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of end-to-end products, systems and solutions, including our flagship digital distributed control system, lifecycle software and services, industry products as well as measurement and analysis, and other marine solutions. As the second largest company in this segment, we have a wealth of experience, a diverse team and a global presence, and we are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve the return on their investments and run operations in a safe, smart and sustainable way.
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