CSP Abu Dhabi container terminal in Khalifa Port has announced that its facility will be the first in the Middle East to implement an autonomous port truck system.
Following a two month trial, a total of six electric Q-Trucks will be commissioned by the operator, 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 a 360-degree sensory system with traffic monitoring and driving guidance.
This aims to enable operators to direct vehicle navigation and transportation of general and reefer containers with ease.
Naser Al Busaeedi, deputy CEO, 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.”
The electric Q-Trucks are powered by a 281 kWh battery, carry a maximum load of 80 tonnes, and have an operating range of 200 km.
Capable of operating for up to 44 hours continuously, the vehicle’s electrical systems are enhanced by a temperature control system that aids in extending battery life in extreme weather.
According to the operator, the units 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, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “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 also saw the adoption of a fleet management system (FMS) 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.
