 Automation at Vado Gateway |
The new Vado Gateway container terminal in Vado Ligure, operated by APM Terminals, sets a new standard for port infrastructure in Italy. The facility is unique in terms of services and technology, from its automated yard to its truck appointment system.
Vado Gateway is the most important port infrastructure development in Italy over the last decades and the result of a EUR450 million (USD500 million) investment.
The terminal was commissioned by Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea System Port Authority), which will now entrust APM Terminals with the management of the facility for the next 50 years.
The new Vado Gateway container terminal in Vado Ligure, operated by APM Terminals, sets a new standard for port infrastructure in Italy. The facility is unique in terms of services and technology, from its automated yard to its truck appointment system.
Vado Gateway is the most important port infrastructure development in Italy over the last decades and the result of a EUR450 million (USD500 million) investment.
The terminal was commissioned by Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea System Port Authority), which will now entrust APM Terminals with the management of the facility for the next 50 years.
Vado Gateway is a semi-automated terminal, which significantly increases the competitiveness of the Ligurian and Italian port infrastructure. It will initially operate on a 450 m part of the quay, but from July 2020, its whole 700 m extension will be available for use.
The yard used for container storage and handling is the first in Italy to be completely automated. Automatic Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) cranes will work autonomously under the remote supervision of highly specialised operators. This will guarantee the highest safety standards, as no personnel will be present in this area while containers are being moved. Access to the yard will only be allowed for maintenance work when the cranes are not operating.
Container handling from the quay to internal exchange areas, and from there to the yard and exchange areas for road transport (exchange grid), will be carried out by straddle carriers - hybrid-powered equipment with an operator on board, receiving instructions directly from the TOS.
Vado Gateway and the Reefer Terminal will employ around 290 people (including equipment maintenance) by the end of January 2020.