Automation for Chinese port

China’s second largest coal port looks set to become the first facility to install the automated container yard loading and unloading system developed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry (ZPMC).

China’s largest port machinery manufacturer has inked a deal that will see it deploy its system at a new facility to be built on the eastern side of Caofeidian port in Hebei province, according to Lloyd’s List newspaper.

The two-berth container terminal will be developed in two phases with the first phase scheduled to become operational in 2011. The initial capacity of 300,000teu per year could increase to 750,000teu as demand dictates.

ZPMC will supply automated container handling equipment including ship-to-shore cranes, yard cranes and an automated transfer system.

The automated container yard loading and unloading system – which has yet to be installed at any facility other than a ZPMC test site – is designed to use tandem 40ft container spreaders on quayside cranes and yard cranes. Flat trolleys on rails are used to automatically transfer containers from the quayside to the stacking areas.