Are Autonomous Terminal Tractors Right for My Container Terminal?
Every terminal is different.
Whether it’s the layout, available space, or access to skilled labor - these unique conditions require an automation solution that can adapt without causing disruptions or requiring major infrastructure changes.
Autonomous technology shouldn’t add complexity. It should simplify and enhance what you’re already doing. Here, we’ll dive into how FERNRIDE's autonomous terminal tractors can meet your terminal’s unique needs, from stability to adaptability, without requiring a full operational overhaul.
How to Choose the Right Solution for Automating Horizontal Transport
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Horizontal transport is at the core of terminal operations—it’s where the movement of cargo either keeps pace with demand or bottlenecks hold everything back. However, it’s not just about getting containers from point A to point B. It’s about finding a system that adapts to your terminal’s layout, integrates with your operations, stays in sync with other equipment, and offers flexibility to scale as your operations grow or change.
How can you introduce automation while keeping operations moving and avoiding downtime? How can you avoid locking yourself into a solution that won’t evolve with your needs?
Exploring Your Options for Automating Horizontal Transport
When it comes to automating horizontal transport, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your terminal’s existing infrastructure, capacity, and operational goals should guide your decision. Let’s break down the options and how they fit into different terminal setups.
Let’s consider the options:
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are a proven solution for high-throughput terminals with the space and resources to invest in dedicated lanes and infrastructure. These systems offer consistent performance in structured environments, but their implementation comes with significant infrastructure demands and high upfront costs. AGVs require careful planning and long lead times, which can be limiting for terminals that need more flexibility in their layout. Ask yourself: is your terminal ready for such a large investment and structural change, or do you need a solution that fits with what you already have?
Automated Straddle Carriers: Similar to AGVs, automated straddle carriers require fenced-off areas for safety and operational efficiency. They offer the advantage of handling both stacking and horizontal transport, making them suitable for high-volume terminals that can afford the space and investment. However, they are also tied to their infrastructure, meaning it can take years to convert from a straddle carrier layout to another system, like AGVs. If flexibility and adaptability are priorities for your terminal, this option might feel limiting in the long run.
Manual Tractors: While manual tractors may seem appealing due to their low initial costs, they often lead to higher long-term operational expenses. The need for manual labor also introduces safety concerns and limits scalability. For terminals facing labor shortages or safety pressures, manual tractors might not be a sustainable solution.
Autonomous Terminal Tractors (ATTs): ATTs stand out for their flexibility and ability to operate in mixed-traffic environments, meaning they can work alongside personnel and vehicles, terminal equipment, and other automated systems. Unlike AGVs or straddle carriers, ATTs don’t require fenced-off area, making them a practical option for terminals that don’t want to overhaul their infrastructure. ATTs allow for a gradual transition—you can begin with evaluating it without any risks or required changes, adapting it as your terminal grows. This balance of flexibility and compliance makes them an attractive option for terminals looking to automate without being locked into a rigid structure.
What Makes Autonomous Terminal Tractors (ATTs) Different?
Autonomous Terminal Tractors (ATTs) in general offer a unique advantage over other automation technologies. Here’s why they stand out:
System Reliability: ATTs are designed to maintain high system uptime and reliability, particularly in mixed-traffic environments. With human-assisted autonomy, human operators oversee operations and step in when necessary to manage unpredictable situations, ensuring smooth operations even when automation alone might struggle.
Safety: ATTs are designed to meet the highest industry safety standards and end-to-end CE conformity. The system is inherently safe, capable of handling most routine tasks autonomously with strict safety protocols in place. While human operators are looped in for exception handling, the system is designed to operate reliably and securely on its own. Over time, it learns from operational data, gradually becoming more adept at managing complex situations independently, further minimizing the need for human intervention.
Flexibility: Unlike many automation solutions, ATTs work with what you already have. No need for fenced-off areas or massive infrastructure changes. While certification requirements may mean some system lock-in, the trade-off is a solution that grows with you.
Productivity: Human-assisted autonomy allows one operator to oversee multiple vehicles simultaneously. This means fewer resources are needed to move several times more containers, improving throughput without adding extra labor or requiring major changes to your workforce.
Intelligent Operations: ATTs don’t just automate—they continuously learn from operational data. By integrating with your Terminal Operating System (TOS), they provide insights into fleet utilization, task planning, and dispatching. This data-driven approach helps optimize routes, reduce downtime, and support better decision-making in daily terminal operations.
Additionally, FERNRIDE’s human-assisted autonomous terminal tractors offer the following benefit:
Exception Handling: What sets FERNRIDE apart is our human-assisted autonomy. White ATTs manage routine tasks, remote operators can step in when necessary to handle exceptions or unforeseen situations. This ensures that operations remain safe and reliable even in challenging conditions.
Better, Safer Jobs: FERNRIDE’s ATTselevates the role of operators, offering safer, more comfortable jobs by removing the need for them to work in extreme conditions inside vehicle cabins.
Which Terminals Are Best Positioned to Benefit from ATTs?
Whether you're looking to future-proof your terminal or seeking quick wins with minimal disruption, the right automation solution needs to fit your unique operational landscape. Not all terminals have the same needs or constraints, but if you want to automate while maximizing flexibility and long-term adaptability, here’s how ATTs could be the solution:
You want to maximize your existing investment: If avoiding expensive infrastructure changes is important, ATTs offer a path to automation without requiring a large upfront commitment. This allows you to automate with minimal disruption, ensuring a strong return on investment.
You need to implement, test, and scale quickly: Speed matters. You can’t afford to pause your operations for years while waiting for a solution to be fully implemented. ATTs get up and running fast, and you can scale at your own pace, giving your terminal flexibility to grow when you're ready.
You’re planning for automation and electrification: With the EU’s Fit for 55 goals driving a 55% emissions reduction by 2030, automating and electrifying your terminal now lets you tackle both challenges at once. By doing so, you ensure compliance and stay competitive, while preparing for a more sustainable future—all in one move.
Conclusion: Is Your Terminal Ready for ATTs?
ATTs offer a solution that doesn’t ask you to pause, overhaul, or drastically change what’s already working. In a nutshell, ATTs are a great fit for terminals that:
Need to address labor shortages while increasing workforce productivity: ATTs automate routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more skilled, safer roles, which drives overall efficiency.
Want to integrate automation without major infrastructure changes: ATTs work within your existing layout and equipment, letting you implement automation without costly disruptions.
Prefer a gradual transition to automation: ATTs provide flexibility, allowing you to start small and scale operations at your own pace, without overwhelming your current operations.
Aim to improve efficiency and control operational costs: ATTs reduce down time, increase container movement, and keep your operations running smoothly without major interruptions.
Talk to us if you are interested in finding out more about whether FERNRIDE-enabled autonomous terminal tractors can work for your terminal.
