Beijing, July 9, 2009 –Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., has won two gold prizes for its automated bulk-cargo uploading system and automated bulk-cargo unloading system at the 108th Paris International Invention Exhibition. ABB China’s Marine and Cranes business unit delivered a full range of electric drive and control systems and other key equipment, along with full technical support, in the design and development of these two award winning systems. The awards highlight ABB’s ability to drive innovation for its local customers with its leading technology and to strengthen the degree of automation and intelligence in China’s port industry.
Tobias Becher, head of the Process Automation division of ABB China and North Asia, offered his congratulations to the R&D team of Shanghai International Port led by Mr. Bao Qifan, vice president of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. “These two inventions fully deserve these awards, which signify that China’s port automation has become world class in terms of technology and intelligence. It demonstrates the Chinese company’s commitment to independent innovation as well as ABB’s long-term efforts to collaborate with local customers on joint innovation,” said Tobias Becker, “We boast cutting-edge technology in the global crane sector and are dedicated to supporting innovation in local companies.”
The automated bulk-cargo uploading and unloading systems are capable of automatically analyzing and detecting the layout and situation of the cargo through its three-dimensional laser scan system. The intelligent system enables the crane’s grappling bucket to automatically and accurately upload and unload cargo with fully automated computer guidance. ABB has supported the design of innovative systems with a full range of electric control and automation including motor, drive and PLC systems. A few of the systems have already been deployed in the phase 2 project of Luojing Port in Shanghai, helping the Port to become the world’s first automated bulk-cargo wharf to achieve a largely increased throughput of cargo per year.
ABB is an established leader in the global crane sector and has extensive experience helping Singapore, Tokyo, Kaohsiung, Hamburg and Rotterdam ports to successfully apply similar automation technology. In addition, ABB has supplied its customers with a series of innovative drives, control systems, visual identity systems, and optimized operating systems, enabling global customers to improve their overall efficiency.
As the world’s largest cargo port and second largest container port, Shanghai Port plays a strategic role in helping the city develop into a global shipping center, integrating the full capacity of the Yangtze River Delta and optimizing the business layout of its shipping service. Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. continues to improve its infrastructure and overall strength through the adoption of advanced technology, accelerating the realization of Shanghai’s goal of becoming a global shipping center as well as driving the economic and international trade growth in the Yangtze River Delta region.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 15,000 employees, 27 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 60 cities.