How do container terminals work

 While shipping is a key component in the global trade industry, one can often forget that equally important is the role played by container terminals. These terminals can be found around the world and provide convenient points in which ships can drop off or pick up their cargo. The process might seem simple, but is quite complex and as shipping technology has advanced so has the innovations in container terminal equipment and facilities. Here is a look into how such terminals operate.

Rehman A. and Azeez A., UG-LK Photowalk - Colombo Harbour - 2017-03-12 (8), CC BY-SA 4.0

Understanding the Basics

Before getting to know the basics, it is important to clearly understand what exactly a container terminal does. Also called container ports, these terminals are where container ships will load or unload their cargo; containers that are unloaded are stored till they are transported overland to their drop-off point. Depending on the infrastructure in place this can be by road, canal barges or rail.

In order to play this vital role in shipping, container terminals have a strategic location; depending on its position, it will be easily accessible along major shipping routes while providing access to diverse destinations around the world too. Additionally, such terminals including the likes of the Colombo Port are situated in commercial centres and are well-connected to transport infrastructure so the cargo can easily be delivered once unloaded. The more efficient this system is, the faster the cargo can be transported.

Unloading and Loading Cargo

One of the most distinctive features at a shipping terminal be it manned or automated, would be the quay cranes that are used. These huge quay cranes are operated manually to unload or load the cargo from the ship to the quay or vice versa.

Depending on the type and size of the ship, ports will have different cranes that can be used apart from the standard quay-side gantry cranes. These include Post-Panamax and Super Post-Panamax quay cranes which can be found at port terminals such as the South Asia Gateway Terminals in Sri Lanka.

Moving the Containers From the Quay

Once the cargo has been unloaded, it has to be transported to an area where they will be stored or stacked before being sent overland to their final destination. Depending on the terminal, this process can vary as well. At manned terminals, vehicles such as straddle or shuttle carriers, forklift trucks, yard trucks or reach stackers are used.

Automated container terminals will look to utilise AGVs or Automated Guided Vehicles when it comes to transport within the port; these automated vehicles usually have the capability of handling up to 60 tonnes. Apart from this, ALVs or Automated Lifting Vehicles have also been introduced and are being used at automated container terminals.

Stacking the Unloaded Containers

After the containers have been moved, they need to be stored or stacked until it is time for transport. To do this, terminals will use a stacking crane which is an automated system which will not only pick up the cargo / containers but stack them as well. While stacking containers on the ground does save space it does reduce flexibility since not all containers can be directly accessed when needed. An alternate means of storage is the use of a chassis system which does offer direct access.

Transporting the Containers

When it is time for the containers to be transported, stacking cranes are generally used again to pick and place them on a railcar or container truck. The process is automated and offers more safety as well; the stacking crane will locate the correct container and bring it over before safely lowering it down into the awaiting truck. After the cargo is secured in place, the truck heads off to the delivery destination.