DP World Yarimca has become the first port in Turkey to integrate remote-controlled electrified cranes in its operations.
The move is part of the terminal’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ safety project which has yielded a significant reduction in workplace accidents with lost time incidents at Yarimca reduced by 50 per cent since 2018.
This follows the company’s 2022 announcement that it reduced risk of injury by 40 per cent across its European portfolio by investing €80 million ($87.5 million) in key safety practices and equipment upgrades.
Capable of handling the world’s longest vessels simultaneously at its two berths, DP World Yarimca aims to consistently employee safety and wellbeing through its ‘Zero Tolerance’ project.
Launched in 2018, the project aims to raise awareness of health and safety measures and increase adherence to the port’s HSSE regulations.
READ: DP World receives sustainability award
The eight remote-controlled electrified quay cranes and eight remote-controlled electrified gantry cranes were commissioned as part of a world-first pilot project to increase safety at the terminal.
Kris Adams, CEO of DP World Yarimca, said: “Introducing new technologies and digitalising our operations has been shown to increase efficiency drastically in a sector where business is often done with outdated tools.
“Our ‘Zero Tolerance’ project has been a testament to the combined power of protocol and technology, and we are proud of how this has improved safety in our terminal.”
The quay cranes are equipped with collision sensors and provide an additional layer of protection for terminal employees.
Integrating remote-controlled cranes has also reduced the number of pedestrians in the terminal area, which in turn has eased terminal traffic and protected vehicle drivers inside the port according to DP World.
READ: DP World introduces new rail incentive
Another outcome of this project is that all terminal operators wishing to enter the port are required to enroll in an HSSE training programme and are given a certificate upon completion.
Taking this approach helps DP World identify and address concerns and reduce the risk of injury on-site. Violating the rules of the system results in penalty scores – or even refusal to enter the port.
Enoma Woghiren, Head of HSSE, DP World Europe, said: “Safe terminals mean more efficient cargo handling, increased employee wellbeing, and increased cargo visibility.
“Our operations in Yarimca are an example to our business and the industry of how we can successfully implement new equipment and policies to keep our people safe.”
The drive to introduce new technologies and equipment at DP World’s European footprint is part of the company’s move towards increasing safety while simultaneously upskilling its terminal employees.
