CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, Khalifa Port implement region’s first autonomous port truck system.

CSP Abu Dhabi container terminal, the first greenfield project of Cosco Shippping Ports (CSP) Limited operating within Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship deep-water port Khalifa Port, has announced its terminal will be the first in the Middle East to implement an autonomous port truck system.

Following a two-month trial period, a total of six electric Q-Trucks will be commissioned by CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal and tasked with supporting mother vessel loading and unloading activities within the facility’s container yard.

Produced by Qomolo, a sub-brand of ShangHai Westwell-Lab Technology Company, the L5 Autonomous Freight Trucks are equipped with an advanced 360-degree sensory system with traffic monitoring and driving guidance system which enables operators to direct vehicles’ navigation and transportation of general and reefer containers with ease.

Naser Al Busaeedi, Deputy CEO of CSP Abu Dhabi, said, “We are proud to be the first terminal in the Middle East to implement an autonomous port truck system following the addition of six of Qomolo Q-trucks to our container handling fleet. As well as being extremely efficient and cost-effective, the new vehicles enable us to sustain our container handling operations for longer periods and enable us to continue operating in cases where business continuity becomes an operational challenge. We look forward to experiencing the full potential of these autonomous vehicles over the coming months.” Featuring a highly stable, efficient, and environmentally friendly platform, the electric Q-Trucks are powered by a 281 kWh battery, carry a maximum load of 80 tonnes, and have an operating range of 200km. Capable of operating for up to 44 hours continuously, the vehicle’s electrical systems are further enhanced by a temperature control system that aids in extending battery life in extreme weather.

The new Q-Trucks are expected to deliver reduced transformation and operating costs, a significant reduction in Co2 emissions as compared to traditional trucks and serve as a viable business continuity solution in the event of any manpower crisis.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “The addition of CSP Abu Dhabi’s Q-Trucks has not only accelerated Khalifa Port’s position as the Middle East’s leading maritime facility but also serves as a prime example of how innovative technologies can transform the maritime and logistics industries.

“Employing solutions powered by ultra-modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, and electrification can enable businesses to achieve a higher level of efficiency, while simultaneously transforming their respective operations to be more sustainable and cost-efficient.” The project saw the adoption of a Fleet Management System for overseeing daily activities utilising Q-Trucks. Integrated as part of the operational control tower, the platform provides real-time monitoring and workflow management processes, while simultaneously connecting to multiple systems within the terminal enabling whole terminal running.

Earlier last month the Abu Dhabi Terminals, in the presence of Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Ministry of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has announced a partnership agreement with Microsoft that heralds the next phase in the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi’s flagship maritime asset, Khalifa Port.

The landmark partnership will enable enhanced container tracking and autonomous shuttle capabilities across Abu Dhabi Terminal’s Khalifa Port terminal through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence Services of Azure, Microsoft’s Cloud.

Abu Dhabi Terminals is the management company and operator of Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT), the region’s first, and one of the world’s largest semi-automated deep-water container terminals. KPCT is also one of the most technically advanced facilities of its kind.

The technology, deployed in partnership with Microsoft Consulting Services, will fuel the introduction of AI-based container smart tracking solutions that will ensure 100 per cent traceability of all handled containers, as well as the potential to launch an autonomous vehicle system.

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Ralph Haupter, President, Microsoft EMEA said: “This collaboration ushers in a new era for autonomous vehicles in a terminal environment, and I’m excited to see Microsoft’s cloud, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies contribute to its success.”

Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “The support of the UAE Ministry of AI and our partnerships with world-leading technology providers such as Microsoft Corporation, not only future proofs our nation’s maritime assets and infrastructure, but enables Abu Dhabi Terminals, and our shareholders at Abu Dhabi Ports, to reap tremendous long-term benefits.”

Arturo Garcia, Chief Automation Officer, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “AI and Automation Technology are not widely used in the port industry, but we firmly believe in its potential and are convinced that our approach will not only benefit Abu Dhabi Terminals and the UAE, but will extend to the entire shipping industry.”