Caofeidian first customer for new ZPMC automated system

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

China’s largest port machinery manufacturer will deploy the system at a facility to be built on the eastern side of Caofeidian port, in Hebei province, according to CS sister publication Lloyd’s List.

The two-berth container terminal will be developed in two phases, with the first scheduled to be operational in 2011. An initial annual capacity of 300,000teu 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 – 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 automatically transfer containers from quayside to stacking areas.

SSA Marine indicated in October that it would roll out the ZPMC automated system in Long Beach, California, within two years. But Caofeidian now looks set to become the first terminal to do so. ZPMC president Guan Tongxian is understood to be very keen to see the innovation up and running, and suggested that the company may be prepared to heavily subsidise it.

ZPMC developed its automated system in collaboration with Shanghai Science and Technology Bureau, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tongji University and Shanghai Marine Affair University. Multiple patents for the innovation have been filed both in China and overseas. In 2007, ZPMC invested US$13.8m in building a 20,000sq metre prototype demonstration yard area, simulating real operating conditions.