Fully automated operation of cargo from unloading, stacking to loading
Shanghai, Nov. 26, 2007－ABB, the leading power and automation technology group announced the completion of its fully automated bulk-cargo terminal project for Luojing Port in Shanghai. ABB’s tailor-made automation systems have helped the Port to become the world’s first automated bulk-cargo wharf to achieve a throughput of 37.8 million tons of cargo per year.
In 2006, China’s ports handled 5.6 billion tons of cargo, more than any other country for the fourth successive year. The growth of China’s foreign trade, particularly in bulk materials such as coal and grain, has increased demand for container- and bulk-cargo handling equipment. Port development has become growingly important in China’s economy and global trade.
“ABB has very high professional standards and is a proven reliable partner,” Mr. Bao Qifan, Vice President of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., said, “The Luojing project comprises a number of ‘firsts’ and embodies the technical competence and innovative spirit of ABB.”
“We are very proud that ABB’s technology was chosen to equip the world’s first automated bulk-cargo terminal,” said Tobias Becker, head of Process Automation division in ABB China and North Asia, “This is the first time we have supplied such a comprehensive unmanned automation system.”
The scope of ABB’s contract included electrical control systems, motors, drives, programmable logic controllers and ABB laser scan technique for the world’s first automated ship unloader. Automated loading using ABB’s laser-scan technology is more accurate than manual operations, which are subject to human error. ABB’s control systems allow unmanned operations to be coordinated from a central control room, optimizing equipment use and maximizing the efficiency, quality and safety of operations.
ABB’s Marine and Cranes business unit is a global organization providing local services to ports, shipyards and steel plants across the world. It is well-positioned to serve Chinese customers and all ABB products enjoy the service provided by a global network of ABB technical centers.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in about 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and service, with 12,000 employees, 25 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 38 cities. To know more about ABB, visit www.abb.com.cn.