ABB Solutions for World’s First Unmanned Bulk Cargo Terminal

ABB has designed and delivered the recent expansion and modernization of Luojing port, Shanghai. The cranes include the world’s first fully automated grab ship unloader (a large clamshell bucket which unloads up to 50 tons of material at a time), the first fully automated stacker/reclaimer crane in China, and a fully automated ship loader, claims ABB.

The grab ship unloader (GSU) utilizes an ABB technology called Target Position Sensor (TPS), which detects the position of any object with centimeter accuracy and enables fast approach to target with optimum path control and without collision between the bucket and the ship. ABB says it is installed in more than 150 ship-to-shore and rail-mounted gantry cranes worldwide.

ABB developed the solution on behalf of Shanghai International Port Group. In addition to advanced software technologies like TPS, the solution is based on a broad range of ABB power and automation products including electrical control systems, energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives.

The modernization project makes Luojing the largest bulk cargo terminal in China, with an annual handling capacity of 37.8 million tons.