At APM Terminals, the Rocsys platform soon powers a critical link in the largest port of Europe

Goods transported to your doorsteps enabled by Rocsys hands-free charging

APM Terminals, as the number two terminal operator in the world, plays a vital role in the global supply chain. The $1.1B expansion to the Maasvlakte II terminal in the port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the Western world, is expected to double the current capacity of 2,7M TEU (2.7 million 20-foot container equivalents) per year, making an important contribution to the import and export of goods to and from the European continent.

In recent years, the push to modernize port terminals has seen the industry embrace new technologies in an effort to decarbonize operations and make them safer for workers while still meeting the needs of a high-demand global supply chain. APM (a Maersk company) has been a steadfast champion of modernization and decarbonization, setting new standards for the industry with the opening of port terminal Maasvlakte II. APMT MVII opened in 2015 as a fully automated facility with zero carbon emissions. The additional section of the terminal will also operate with net-zero emissions and be fully automated with 13 remote-operated cranes, and a sizable fleet of Lift Automated Guided Vehicles (L-AGVs). Maasvlakte II has set a benchmark for decarbonization and automation in ports.

The deployment of our Rocsys hands-free charging solution to Maasvlakte II will close the loop on the 24/7 operation of 30 Automated Terminal Trucks, allowing the fleet to self-operate and self-charge, all without manual intervention. The 30 Terberg electric terminal trucks equipped with an Embotech level 4 self-driving kit will run autonomously night and day in complex and mixed traffic situations. They transport containers between the central stacking area in the port and the rail yard facility, where cargo trains facilitate their journey to and from the doorstep of businesses all throughout Europe.

The Rocsys platform will serve the vehicles 24/7 on six dedicated charging bays with our robotic connection system, ensuring their batteries stay charged. Remote operators will monitor and assist the system using the Rocsys portal. Communication between vehicle and infrastructure is facilitated with the Rocsys communication module, which ensures highly secure robust communication, compliant to the terminals stringent cybersecurity guidelines. The Rocsys platform offers a true end-to-end solution, enabling hands-free charging and an effortless experience for the terminal operator.

Overall, with the technology for autonomous Terminal Trucks maturing into safe, proven options and prices for electric versions declining, the business case for electric autonomous Terminal Trucks in ports is becoming attractive and offers relief to ongoing labor shortages. Looking at the total system, hands-free charging is the missing link in the chain. This partnership sets the stage for true autonomous operation in the port industry and will demonstrate how ports can become safer and more efficient while reducing emissions.  

The port industry is a tight-knit community, where global best practices are always looked at to improve individual terminal performance,. We are excited to partner with APM as they focus on modernization and decarbonization and lead by example making critical investments in their terminals that can serve as a template for the rest of the industry. Rocsys hands-free charging solutions allow port terminals to unlock the true potential of autonomous mobility they need to become safer, cleaner, more efficient, while increasing productivity..

Ready to learn more about what we can do for your port operation? Drop us a line at info@rocsys.com so we can connect or explore hands-free charging in ports here.

 

Crijn Bouman, CEO and Founder of Rocsys

 

Read our press release together with APM Terminals Maasvlakte II here.