Hutchison invests in tech upgrade

Remote-controlled cranes set to elevate Karachi terminal efficiency

KARACHI:

Hutchison Ports Pakistan has invested over $600 million, including $235 million solely in state-of-the-art equipment, to introduce remote-controlled cranes and enhance efficiency and productivity, according to senior officials.

In a discussion with journalists on Thursday, they shared that the terminal, which has a designed capacity of 3.1 million TEUs (Twenty Feet Equivalent Units) annually, managed to handle 1 million TEUs during 2023. The terminal has been operational since 2017 under a concession agreement with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).

“We are conducting our quayside operations entirely through a remote operating station. The combined cost of the yard and berth cranes is $235 million, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly cranes,” stated CS Kim, the General Manager of the container terminal.

He mentioned the procurement of 31 conventional Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGC), including hybrid and electric models, and 22 remote-controlled RTGs.

“This technological upgrade has significantly enhanced the port’s efficiency. Our Quay Cranes (QCs) can handle 25 moves per hour, and we have even achieved a record of 44 moves per hour,” said Muhammad Hamza Masood, the Senior Operations Manager of the container terminal.

He noted that there are 14 quay cranes onsite, capable of lifting containers weighing up to 65 tonnes under a spreader. This capability ensures safe operations for vessels up to 26 rows wide. “With the assistance of HD cameras and automation technologies, coupled with an advanced terminal operating system – nGen (next generation), our operators can comfortably work from an office environment while ensuring productivity,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2024.

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