Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), the first fully automated terminal in Australia, has completed its automation upgrade of Navis’ N4 Terminal Operating Solution (TOS).
This modernisation effort notes VICT’s ongoing commitment to optimizing operations, reducing turnaround times and delivering unprecedented efficiency in key areas of the terminal, including the gate and container yard, according to a statement.
VICT is located at Webb Dock in the Port of Melbourne, the largest container port in Australia. The terminal’s owner, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), implemented N4 at its greenfield project to help power its planned, fully automated container terminal.
Since becoming operational, the terminal has continued to set benchmarks handling the largest vessel in capacity, highest exchange in a single call and the longest vessel to call at the port, said Navis, who added that “Now that the terminal is preparing for its phase three expansion, VICT’s relationship with critical automation suppliers, like Navis, is vital to constantly improve services to maintain and service growth in the port.”
Jon Wheeler, COO at VICT commented, “By upgrading our TOS through constant collaboration between Navis and our internal automation team, VICT’s focus is to consistently improve operational safety and productivity efficiencies for all our stakeholders. Since the upgrade, we have seen continuity in uptime, reduced exception handling, berth productivity improvement, and greater efficiencies with our industry leading landside operation of multiple containers.”
The latest enhancements at VICT include an upgrade to N4 3.8 AutoShuttle scheduler which improves the user experience, reducing exception handling by automating workflows, while additional benefits include an optimal AutoShuttle dispatch, increased system robustness and uptime and shortened truck turnaround time for trucks with multiple transactions.
“The industry continues to battle disruption and constraints as fallout from the pandemic and VICT remains committed to doing its part to facilitate trade,” noted Charles Gerard, Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific, Navis, who went on to highlight that “the terminal is ensuring that vessels are processed in a timely manner and essential goods coming through the port get where they are needed most.”
