A Belfast Harbour-led consortium receives notable funding to explore port automation.
- The Department for Transport awards nearly £400,000 to examine autonomous port technology.
- Study aims to optimise fleet operations and demonstrate scalable autonomous solutions.
- Focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving operational efficiencies.
- The initiative aligns with Belfast Harbour’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Belfast Harbour, in collaboration with a consortium, has been awarded almost £400,000 by the Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund. This funding is designated for a feasibility study investigating the application of autonomous technology within port operations. The objective of this study is to assess how autonomous systems can effectively enhance fleet management and boost port productivity while being scalable and cost-efficient.
Laura O’Neill, the digital transformation manager at Belfast Harbour, emphasised the project’s significance in mitigating traditional terminal tractor operations known for high greenhouse gas emissions and inefficiencies. O’Neill stated, “We are excited to launch this initiative, which seeks to address a critical gap in the shipping supply chain.” The project aligns with Belfast Harbour’s strategic objectives by aiming to lessen idle times for terminal tractors, increasing container throughput, and exploring opportunities for creating higher-skilled job roles.
Running from November for five months, this study not only aims to develop a regulatory-compliant autonomous terminal tractor solution but also intends to showcase its replicability throughout regional UK ports. Sadaf Ghani, from Aidrivers Ltd, noted the potential global influence of this initiative, suggesting that it could set new benchmarks in port operations worldwide and position UK firms at the forefront of autonomous port technology.
It’s noteworthy that Belfast, historically a hub for shipbuilding, faced economic challenges after Harland and Wolff, the owner of the renowned Belfast Shipyard, entered administration earlier this year. This new project, funded through the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund, aims to bolster the region’s maritime sector by incorporating cutting-edge decarbonising technologies.
The Belfast Harbour-led initiative underlines the strategic move towards sustainable and efficient port operations through advanced autonomous technology.
