PSA Singapore has partnered with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) to develop a new solution for use at Tuas Port.
Both parties have signed a research collaboration agreement to jointly develop a large-scale management system for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to move containers efficiently and securely in Singapore’s next-generation Tuas Port project.
Once it is fully developed, Tuas Port will be capable of handling up to 65 million TEU annually and able to accommodate mega container ships exceeding 450 metres in length.
In late 2021, officials said reclamation works for the first phase of the $20 billion facility were completed, paving the way for the opening of the first two berths.
AGVs already play a large role in automating yard and wharf operations in the port. The emerging technology provides a greener alternative than diesel prime movers, reducing carbon emissions by around 50 per cent.
The fleet of AGVs is predicted to increase in tandem with large-scale port operations.
According to PSA Singapore, to meet the demands of a larger AGV fleet, the company requires an intelligent, advanced fleet management system that is responsive and can handle the computational load. The solution is also expected to achieve significant cost savings for the group through the reduction of infrastructure and operational costs.
A*STAR’s IHPC has said it will contribute its expertise in advanced high-performance computing technologies and algorithms to develop accelerated solutions for large-scale fleet management of AGVs.
In turn, PSA Singapore will provide a simulation platform to conduct the proof of concept, alongside its domain knowledge in the development and operation of the existing AGV fleet management system.
The agreement also includes the development of innovative techniques that will allow for a scalable design with multiple AGVs coordinating seamlessly and at the same time, ensuring operational safety.
PSA Singapore will look to apply the smart solutions to future enhanced fleet management systems as operations in Tuas Port gradually scale up.
“PSA Singapore is pleased to partner with IHPC in co-creating innovative and robust solutions to manage our large fleet of smart and green AGVs,” said Ong Kim Pong, Regional CEO Southeast Asia for PSA International.
“We look forward to leveraging the diversity of ideas and thought to drive technological innovations which will enhance our operational agility and scalability. This collaboration will bring us closer to our vision of developing an intelligent, resilient and sustainable port of the future.”
Dr Lim Keng Hui, Executive Director of A*STAR’s IHPC, added: “A*STAR is excited to collaborate with PSA to co-develop smart solutions for Singapore’s Next Generation Port by enhancing the scalability and efficiency of terminal operations.
“This partnership demonstrates A*STAR’s contribution to the maritime industry by applying our research capabilities in high-performance computing, and modelling and simulation to create intelligent and scalable technological solutions.”
Back in October 2020, PSA Singapore said it had received the first batch of double trolley quay cranes (DTQCs) for Tuas Port.
The company said the Tuas Equipment and Automation team worked closely with crane manufacturer ZPMC to ensure that the cranes were fabricated and built as designed.
