Solution overview
Remote crane operation and exception handling are integral parts of terminal operations today. This improves safety, working environment and overall operator productivity in cargo terminals.
In separating humans from big machines, the crane can run faster, and ramp times and cycle times shorten. This reduces the time needed for discharging and loading the ships, and improve operator well-being.
Combined with automation, remote crane operation offers the ideal solution for improving operator performance, and providing higher consistency across operators. With most crane cycles handled automatically, the crane operator supervise the process and act only when required.
KEY BENEFITS
<p>Remote crane operations provide an improved work environment for operators, enhancing performance and keeping your terminal running smoothly by removing them from heavy machinery into the safety and comfort of a control room.</p>
Safety by design
<p>Better protect operators by separating them from heavy machinery and harsh outdoor environments. Instead, they can supervise and operate using high-definition cameras from the safety and comfort of a control room.</p>Collaborative operations
<p>Move operators from cramped cabins to a shared control room. It’s not just more comfortable - it’s more collaborative. Faster communication and mutual support lead to fewer errors and higher throughput. </p>Precision performance
<p>With the support of automation, remote crane operation enables the same level of excellence from all crane operators. The cameras provide better field of view than the human eye, increasing efficiency. Plus, more information is easily accessible for improved operator performance.</p>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover more about remote crane operations with answers to some of the most asked questions.
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What are the benefits of remote crane operation?
- Operator safety - we separate operators from heavy machinery.
- A healthier environment - remote control rooms offer more comfortable places to work, with features like air conditioning, easy access to amenities, and more.
- More collaboration - operators share a space, reducing isolation and encouraging collaborative working.
- Performance consistency - operators get an improved view of work and movement, overcoming human eye limitation and leading to better, more consistent results from each employee.
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What crane types do you provide remote operations for?
We provide remote crane operations solutions for all types of cranes, including:
- Ship-to-shore cranes
- Stacking cranes
- Intermodal cranes
- Grab ship unloaders
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Can operators supervise more than one crane with remote operations?
The number of cranes that one operator can operate and/or supervise using remote operations varies depending on crane type and how much the process is automated.
For example, for automated stacking cranes, remote has turned predominately into exception handling as the level of automation is so high. This means one operator can supervise around 25 cranes at one time.
However, this is down to how terminals are run. So, you could still choose to keep parts of the process manual, meaning the ratio of operator to crane is smaller.
For ship-to-shore cranes, there is usually one operator per crane because there are still so many activities that require manual intervention.
Smart control solutions
<p>Integrated remote control stations, optimized control room environments, and advanced simulation tools enable safe, efficient crane operations while improving operator performance, collaboration, comfort, and training effectiveness.</p>
Remote control station
Operators work safely, efficiently and more comfortably with ABB’s ergonomically designed Remote Control Stations (RCS), supporting their natural workflow.
Control room solutions
Combined with remote crane operations, a well-designed control room encourages more motivated, collaborative and better performing operators.
Remote simulator
By using a simulator, operators learn to operate container handling cranes efficiently in a safe environment with no risk for accidents and damage to equipment or goods, minimizing impact on production.
WHAT'S YOUR CHALLENGE?
As a terminal operator, you are responsible for health and safety of those on your site, including crane operators. With a number of risks present for crane operators and an facility to run smoothly, you face a range of challenges that remote crane operations and container terminal automation can resolve.
Safe work environment
Working on a crane means long hours in a vibrating cabin, high above the ground, climbing up and down the crane, moving around in the terminal getting to and from workplace - all presenting multiple risks. Remote operations separate the operator from the crane, providing a more comfortable and safe space. Reducing overall safety incidents.
Efficient crane operations
Remote crane operation opens up for more efficient crane operations thanks to the comfortable work environment and the easy access to supporting colleagues. It also enables smooth shift changes and breaks.
Attractive workplace
Remote operations moves the crane operator away from the sometimes-harsh environments outside in the terminal and into the comfort of a control room with ergonomic desks. With easy access to your workplace, colleagues and amenities, remote operations also broadens the potential workforce for crane operations.
Collaboration and knowledge transfer
When working in a control room together with other crane operators, help is never far away. Tricky situations can be solved together and learning from each other is easier.
"Let there be no doubt that automation and remote operation are the key trends for port operators today."
Fredrik Johanson, Head of Sales and Marketing, Business Line Ports, ABB