What if your next container move didn't require a driver? Thanks to the Living Lab Autonomous Transport Zeeland (ATZ) project at the Lineage terminal in North Sea Port, the future is closer than you think.
ATZ is an open innovation system in which logistics companies, technology suppliers for autonomous vehicles, road authorities and knowledge institutions jointly innovate and experiment with self-driving vehicles in mixed traffic and in real logistics operations on public roads. The goal is to enable autonomous (self-driving, driverless) transport from yard to quay at Lineage's site in Vlissingen, integrated seamlessly into Lineage's operational processes.
A long-term project
The first proof of concept, co-financed by the European Union, the Netherlands and Zeeland Regional, was completed in May 2022 with a successful demonstration of an autonomous terminal truck. The aim of the second proof of concept, a joint project between truck manufacturer Terberg, technology supplier EasyMile and Lineage, is to further improve the self-driving container truck so that it can operate safely at a container terminal with mixed traffic. This project focuses primarily on the learning process, with the aim of improving the technology and preparing it for the market. After all, the impact of this automation extends beyond a single terminal and its employees.
The main objective of Proof of Concept 2 was to drive with a loaded container on the chassis to a Rubber Tyred Gantry crane transfer point for container handling. Although not all defined functional goals were achieved, Proof of Concept 2 did yield important results: the transport of loaded containers, the availability and accessibility of all RTG transfer points, and fewer manual operations for the safety driver.
Furthermore, the development of new potential features has already begun. The next phase of development will focus on testing reverse driving, the transition from safety drivers to remote control – without the presence of a human in the cabin – and improving performance in poor weather conditions such as rain and fog.
Innovation at North Sea Port
Proof of Concept 2 at Lineage marks a further step towards a future in which container transport can take place without drivers. Such innovations and practical tests are important for developing safer, smarter and more efficient terminal operations, as well as preparing the port area for the future.
Images: North Sea Port
