Smart cargo handling equipment in next generation container ports

• Main Author: Thong, Xin Yi
• Other Authors: Lam Siu Lee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71171
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In view of the increasing trend of container demand, mega-ships are built to accommodate this phenomenon. Both quayside and landside equipment are required to enhance the handling capacity of the port by going “smart”. Smart technology such as going green and automated, has been implemented by port progressively in both the quayside and landside. Many studies has focused on the routing and scheduling of AGVs to enhance the productivity. However, limited researches has been done regarding to the feasible analysis of the AGVs and its source of energy. Thus, the objective of this paper will be focusing in the analysis of AGVs in particularly in the economical, power consumption and environmental pollution aspects. Due to the limitation of the information available, both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be used. Qualitative analysis includes the interviews with the industry professional to collect their opinions and quantitative analysis will be based on simple mathematical equation and simulation to further support the results. Several assumptions has been made and findings showed that electric AGV has higher capital cost but lower operational cost in the long run as compared to diesel AGV. The cost saving in the fuel cost was able to offset the high initial capital cost over the long life span of landside equipment. In addition, the electric AGV was more power efficient and environmental-friendly than the diesel AGV as less electricity was consumed and lower gas emissions given the predefined scenarios. In this context, the findings and simulation supports the adoption of electrification in AGVs which proves to be more cost-effective, power efficiency and environmental friendly than using of diesel.