TRELLEBORG REPORT HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES

The fifth annual Barometer Report from Trelleborg, which discusses the issues impacting ports and terminals around the globe, has revealed that over 40% of the port owners and operators surveyed have experienced an increase in throughput in the last twelve months.

Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg’s marine systems operation, says: “To accommodate the higher levels of throughput, demanded by larger ships carrying more cargo, ports should look increasingly towards automated technologies.

“Automated technology has a significant role to play in delivering greater operational efficiency, reducing unit costs by helping to process cargo more quickly and more consistently. This principle and drive for efficient turnaround should extend to the jetty side too. There is a vast opportunity to reduce human error and refine scheduling as vessels come in to port, berth and are dispatched.

“While the wider transport and logistics sector is relatively advanced in its grasp and use of ‘smart’ technology, the ‘Internet of Things’ mentality is not necessarily translating quickly within ports and terminals. The more rapidly we take a smarter approach to connecting equipment, the quicker we can collect and analyze data from it – and the sooner we’ll improve efficiency.”

It is therefore positive that 74% of those surveyed for the Barometer Report are open to new technologies, showing a willingness to adapt and improve. The industry is beginning to look forward and embrace new trends. This is reflected by the fact that so many are now using one or more forms of automated technology.

Hepworth added: “Only 7% say they don’t use any automated systems – instead, relying on human or manual guidance at their facilities. This is much less than last year, when 19% said the same. In 2013, we observed that the market was lagging behind the technology available to it.”

To download the Barometer Report 5, visit: http://ow.ly/VmYR3