Automation expert ABB’s optical character recognition (OCR) system will be implemented on 21 ship-to-shore cranes at Panama’s SSA Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT Panama) to automate container information handling
Building on the long-term relationship between ABB and SSA Marine, the contract follows the successful implementation of ABB Crane OCR at five SSA terminals in the US.
ABB Crane OCR automates the process of recording information of containers loaded and discharged by ship-to-shore cranes, significantly improving data quality. The availability of centralised data benefits planning at the berth and throughout the terminal handling process. The container feature recognition capabilities leverage the latest AI and machine learning technologies to continuously enhance already high read rates.
The crane OCR package for MIT Panama includes OCR hardware and software for container number identification, a multi-purpose camera system which detects door direction, bolt seals, and hazardous material labels, a damage inspection imaging system and terminal tractor numbers identification (MatchMaker).
In addition, ABB’s XClerk exception management system will be implemented, allowing any exceptions to be reviewed and resolved from a remote location.
MIT Panama general manager Manuel Pinzon said, “We have been relying on ABB technologies and expertise for more than two decades and are happy to continue our mutually beneficial relationship with this OCR implementation.”
“We expect the solution to deliver significant benefits, enabling a safer work environment for our employees, while also increasing operational efficiencies.”
ABB Marine & Ports product line manager, Richard Micheli said, “By adding easy-to-install and maintain ABB Crane OCR, MIT Panama will improve data quality and enhance container handling productivity to meet the demands of growing container traffic and vessel capacity. Greater efficiency is also one of the keys of safer, greener port operations.”
One of Latin America’s most important port terminals, Manzanillo International Terminal-Panama is part of the global cargo movement logistic system moving upwards of 2.8M TEU in 2021.
MIT Panama and ABB have a long-standing collaboration on crane automation going back to 1999 with STS cranes and automatic cantilever stacking cranes, including pioneering remote operations of STS cranes in 2010.
