Hyster to discuss ‘Total Port Electrification’ at TOC

Hydrogen and lithium-ion power may move ports closer to total electrification, says Hyster Europe, as it prepares to update on its zero-emission Container Handler and ReachStacker projects at the TOC Global Showcase virtual event.

“For several years, Hyster has been working on unique zero-emissions container handling equipment for ports that incorporate lithium-ion battery and fuel cell technology,” says Willem Nieuwland, Big Truck Program Manager for Hyster. “However, we are now ‘extending the family’ and bringing these benefits to more equipment types to support total green operations from ship to store.”

Hyster recently revealed it was entering a partnership with Capacity Trucks to jointly develop electric, hydrogen, and automation-ready terminal tractors. This addresses growing demand for environmentally sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal, and distribution centre markets, with initial prototypes expected to be available in 2021 for testing in port applications.

The collaboration brings together Capacity’s robust terminal truck platform with unique Hyster lift truck electric powertrain technology for proven reliability and hydrogen fuel cells.  The Hyster solution in development has lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell power integral to the design, rather than as a retro-fit option. It is expected that the final solution will be produced on a large scale, at an affordable price to help ports to reach their environmental goals.

“Importantly, the opportunities for hydrogen fuel cells are a key factor in this development, as this is a particularly interesting area for ports and something we’ve been progressing since 2017,” says Willem. “Hydrogen has the potential to provide the renewable energy model that is most attractive to environmentally driven businesses, without some of the complexities of electric vehicles – such as grid power availability for charging.

“What’s more, this is an area where funding and grants are available, making it feasible for ports wishing to explore zero-emissions equipment options,” he continues.

Hyster continues to develop Container Handlers and ReachStackers powered by lithium-ion batteries, either alone or combined with a fuel-cell range extender, as part of a number of funded projects for end users in the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Valencia.

However, in the past year, Hyster has also launched a number of product innovations that are available now to support zero-emissions handling with high productivity portside.

The new Hyster J7.0–9.0XNL electric forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries, carries up to nine tonnes, and gives port operations the benefits of comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging. These new trucks are designed with the endurance to support multi-shift, demanding operations, giving a credible alternative to an IC truck, thanks to the unique combination of a lithium-ion battery, a high-voltage drive system, and the use of multi-phase permanent magnetic motors.

Meanwhile portside stores may benefit from the Hyster PC1.5 ultra-compact lithium-ion pallet truck, which can deliver greater efficiency than a hand pallet truck, but without complex maintenance requirements. It is designed to be tough and reliable enough to stand-up to daily operational challenges, but with a low cost of ownership. When the lithium-ion battery needs replacing, operators get a re-charge alert and, in just six seconds, can exchange it, keeping the operation running with minimal interruption.

On Thursday 17th June 2021, from 10.00 – 11.00, Willem Nieuwland will discuss more around the total electrification of ports and the latest updates around zero-emissions Hyster Big Truck developments as part of the ‘Spotlight on the Green Transition’ session at the online TOC Global Showcase. Register to attend at www.toc-global-showcase.com.

Hyster to discuss ‘Total Port Electrification’ at TOC

Hydrogen and lithium-ion power may move ports closer to total electrification, says Hyster Europe, as it prepares to update on its zero-emission Container Handler and ReachStacker projects at the TOC Global Showcase virtual event.

“For several years, Hyster has been working on unique zero-emissions container handling equipment for ports that incorporate lithium-ion battery and fuel cell technology,” says Willem Nieuwland, Big Truck Program Manager for Hyster. “However, we are now ‘extending the family’ and bringing these benefits to more equipment types to support total green operations from ship to store.”

Hyster recently revealed it was entering a partnership with Capacity Trucks to jointly develop electric, hydrogen, and automation-ready terminal tractors. This addresses growing demand for environmentally sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal, and distribution centre markets, with initial prototypes expected to be available in 2021 for testing in port applications.

The collaboration brings together Capacity’s robust terminal truck platform with unique Hyster lift truck electric powertrain technology for proven reliability and hydrogen fuel cells.  The Hyster solution in development has lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell power integral to the design, rather than as a retro-fit option. It is expected that the final solution will be produced on a large scale, at an affordable price to help ports to reach their environmental goals.

“Importantly, the opportunities for hydrogen fuel cells are a key factor in this development, as this is a particularly interesting area for ports and something we’ve been progressing since 2017,” says Willem. “Hydrogen has the potential to provide the renewable energy model that is most attractive to environmentally driven businesses, without some of the complexities of electric vehicles – such as grid power availability for charging.

“What’s more, this is an area where funding and grants are available, making it feasible for ports wishing to explore zero-emissions equipment options,” he continues.

Hyster continues to develop Container Handlers and ReachStackers powered by lithium-ion batteries, either alone or combined with a fuel-cell range extender, as part of a number of funded projects for end users in the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Valencia.

However, in the past year, Hyster has also launched a number of product innovations that are available now to support zero-emissions handling with high productivity portside.

The new Hyster J7.0–9.0XNL electric forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries, carries up to nine tonnes, and gives port operations the benefits of comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging. These new trucks are designed with the endurance to support multi-shift, demanding operations, giving a credible alternative to an IC truck, thanks to the unique combination of a lithium-ion battery, a high-voltage drive system, and the use of multi-phase permanent magnetic motors.

Meanwhile portside stores may benefit from the Hyster PC1.5 ultra-compact lithium-ion pallet truck, which can deliver greater efficiency than a hand pallet truck, but without complex maintenance requirements. It is designed to be tough and reliable enough to stand-up to daily operational challenges, but with a low cost of ownership. When the lithium-ion battery needs replacing, operators get a re-charge alert and, in just six seconds, can exchange it, keeping the operation running with minimal interruption.

On Thursday 17th June 2021, from 10.00 – 11.00, Willem Nieuwland will discuss more around the total electrification of ports and the latest updates around zero-emissions Hyster Big Truck developments as part of the ‘Spotlight on the Green Transition’ session at the online TOC Global Showcase. Register to attend at www.toc-global-showcase.com.

UK Paper Hub secures SCA as a major new customer

SCA, Europe’s largest private forest owner and producer of wood products, packaging paper, pulp and renewable energy, will return on a long-term deal to market leading UK Paper Hub located at London’s major port, the Port of Tilbury. The 50-acre facility on the Thames will become SCA’s primary UK logistics hub for the import of packaging materials to supply its UK customers.

Sweden-based SCA is a major European logistics supplier – calling at terminals including Umea, Sundsvall, Helsingborg, Oxelösund, Malmo, Iggesund and Kiel – and will see substantial volumes of packaging paper and other third-party cargoes regularly transported by its own Ro-Ro vessels from Sweden to the UK Paper Hubs’ dedicated berths.

SCA’s packaging materials will be used by customers in the UK for ecommerce, industrial and food packaging as well as many other retail packaging solutions – all contributing to the UK’s growing demand for renewable packaging materials.

Helping to keep global and domestic markets moving, UK Paper Hub will also assist SCA’s circular supply chain with the export of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), supporting circular economy and energy from waste solutions across Sweden.

Commenting on the new contract for Tilbury, Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director, said: “This is exciting news for the UK Paper Hub as we secure another market leader in the paper, packaging and forest products market. We warmly welcome SCA back to Tilbury and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure a world class, flexible, end to end service for their UK customers.

“As the paper and forest product port for the future, we are focussing on making a real contribution to the environment and net zero targets by reducing all forms of waste within the paper and forest products supply chain. Through our location and connections, we offer unrivalled opportunities at our all-in-one facility.”

Steve Harley, Managing Director for SCA UK Logistics, added: “2022 will mark our return to the Port of Tilbury. The move renews a long-standing relationship between SCA and Forth Ports which spans half a century. Ensuring that the logistics chain is as efficient as possible is our utmost concern and our Tilbury operation will align our shipping, warehousing and distribution activities with our customers’ geographical spread and service requirements. We look forward to a productive cooperation with the Forth Ports team.”

UK Paper Hub is the collective brand covering Tilbury’s handling, storage and distribution services for paper and related forest products (including graphical papers and newsprint, packaging paper and board, tissue and hygiene products, and pulp). The brand brings together the expertise and facilities of the paper handling terminals, previously known as Enterprise Distribution Centre (EDC) and London Paper Terminal (LPT), which the port owns and operates.

The UK Paper Hub can handle paper and forest products in any form, any quantity using any method of shipping or distribution, both short sea and deep sea. The Hub has access to a nationwide haulage network and connects the UK’s domestic industries with markets across the globe. Tilbury’s newest port, Tilbury2, opened in May 2020 and along with London Container Terminal, offers the Hub further connections and capacity for customers.

 

 

 

UK Paper Hub secures SCA as a major new customer

SCA, Europe’s largest private forest owner and producer of wood products, packaging paper, pulp and renewable energy, will return on a long-term deal to market leading UK Paper Hub located at London’s major port, the Port of Tilbury. The 50-acre facility on the Thames will become SCA’s primary UK logistics hub for the import of packaging materials to supply its UK customers.

Sweden-based SCA is a major European logistics supplier – calling at terminals including Umea, Sundsvall, Helsingborg, Oxelösund, Malmo, Iggesund and Kiel – and will see substantial volumes of packaging paper and other third-party cargoes regularly transported by its own Ro-Ro vessels from Sweden to the UK Paper Hubs’ dedicated berths.

SCA’s packaging materials will be used by customers in the UK for ecommerce, industrial and food packaging as well as many other retail packaging solutions – all contributing to the UK’s growing demand for renewable packaging materials.

Helping to keep global and domestic markets moving, UK Paper Hub will also assist SCA’s circular supply chain with the export of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), supporting circular economy and energy from waste solutions across Sweden.

Commenting on the new contract for Tilbury, Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director, said: “This is exciting news for the UK Paper Hub as we secure another market leader in the paper, packaging and forest products market. We warmly welcome SCA back to Tilbury and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure a world class, flexible, end to end service for their UK customers.

“As the paper and forest product port for the future, we are focussing on making a real contribution to the environment and net zero targets by reducing all forms of waste within the paper and forest products supply chain. Through our location and connections, we offer unrivalled opportunities at our all-in-one facility.”

Steve Harley, Managing Director for SCA UK Logistics, added: “2022 will mark our return to the Port of Tilbury. The move renews a long-standing relationship between SCA and Forth Ports which spans half a century. Ensuring that the logistics chain is as efficient as possible is our utmost concern and our Tilbury operation will align our shipping, warehousing and distribution activities with our customers’ geographical spread and service requirements. We look forward to a productive cooperation with the Forth Ports team.”

UK Paper Hub is the collective brand covering Tilbury’s handling, storage and distribution services for paper and related forest products (including graphical papers and newsprint, packaging paper and board, tissue and hygiene products, and pulp). The brand brings together the expertise and facilities of the paper handling terminals, previously known as Enterprise Distribution Centre (EDC) and London Paper Terminal (LPT), which the port owns and operates.

The UK Paper Hub can handle paper and forest products in any form, any quantity using any method of shipping or distribution, both short sea and deep sea. The Hub has access to a nationwide haulage network and connects the UK’s domestic industries with markets across the globe. Tilbury’s newest port, Tilbury2, opened in May 2020 and along with London Container Terminal, offers the Hub further connections and capacity for customers.

 

 

 

Swain plans distribution facility at London Gateway

DP World has signed an agreement with the leading road transport operator Swain Group for a 2.25-acre distribution facility at its London Gateway freight and logistics hub.

Under the three-year agreement, Swain Group will use the quayside site for the temporary storage of imported construction materials such as stone and ‘next-generation’ offsite manufacturing to construct buildings faster, safer and to a higher quality before their onward distribution to the end customer by lorry. The location, 200 yards from London Gateway’s berth 7, will deliver significant cost and time savings.

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant, London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded freeport status by the Government earlier this year, further cementing its critical role in the UK’s international supply chain.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said: “I am delighted that Swain Group have chosen to strengthen further their longstanding relationship with London Gateway. At DP World we think ahead and create smarter trade solutions and this lease is an outstanding example of the benefits of port-centric logistics.

“We aim to be a partner in our customers’ business success, providing fast, reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and markets. London Gateway has almost 10 million square feet of land with planning consent at the port and adjacent logistics park and I would urge companies looking to expand to contact us to find out more about how they could benefit from being part of a freeport.”

Matthew Deer, Managing Director at Swain Group, said: “We handle over 100,000 tons of building materials a year on ships arriving at London Gateway and expect this figure to continue to grow as construction in London and the South East picks up following the pandemic.

“On arrival at the berth DP World will shunt inbound containers to our facility, where our team will unpack the stone product, temporarily store it where necessary, and then assemble outbound orders for transport via our own fleet to destinations across Britain such as garden centres and builders’ merchants. This integration of the supply chain will generate cost and time efficiencies both for us and our customers.”

Founded in 1918, Swain Group is a fifth-generation family-run business which has grown to become one of the largest family-owned road transport operators in Britain. It has played a key supporting role in the development of London Gateway, with its heavy haulage division delivering machinery for the building of the port 10 years ago.

Swain plans distribution facility at London Gateway

DP World has signed an agreement with the leading road transport operator Swain Group for a 2.25-acre distribution facility at its London Gateway freight and logistics hub.

Under the three-year agreement, Swain Group will use the quayside site for the temporary storage of imported construction materials such as stone and ‘next-generation’ offsite manufacturing to construct buildings faster, safer and to a higher quality before their onward distribution to the end customer by lorry. The location, 200 yards from London Gateway’s berth 7, will deliver significant cost and time savings.

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant, London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded freeport status by the Government earlier this year, further cementing its critical role in the UK’s international supply chain.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said: “I am delighted that Swain Group have chosen to strengthen further their longstanding relationship with London Gateway. At DP World we think ahead and create smarter trade solutions and this lease is an outstanding example of the benefits of port-centric logistics.

“We aim to be a partner in our customers’ business success, providing fast, reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and markets. London Gateway has almost 10 million square feet of land with planning consent at the port and adjacent logistics park and I would urge companies looking to expand to contact us to find out more about how they could benefit from being part of a freeport.”

Matthew Deer, Managing Director at Swain Group, said: “We handle over 100,000 tons of building materials a year on ships arriving at London Gateway and expect this figure to continue to grow as construction in London and the South East picks up following the pandemic.

“On arrival at the berth DP World will shunt inbound containers to our facility, where our team will unpack the stone product, temporarily store it where necessary, and then assemble outbound orders for transport via our own fleet to destinations across Britain such as garden centres and builders’ merchants. This integration of the supply chain will generate cost and time efficiencies both for us and our customers.”

Founded in 1918, Swain Group is a fifth-generation family-run business which has grown to become one of the largest family-owned road transport operators in Britain. It has played a key supporting role in the development of London Gateway, with its heavy haulage division delivering machinery for the building of the port 10 years ago.

Norbord automates labelling of pallets

Norbord, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wood-based panels, produces more than 1,200 square metres of OSB panels per day at its Genk location. Every day the logistics employees apply 1,400 labels to pallets in order to manage the panels and stock. This process was recently automated at Norbord’s Belgian location with a Zetes industrial labelling machine and ZetesAtlas identification software.

After the manufacturing process, the Norbord panels are placed on pallets and wrapped in protective film. Information about the pallets, the OSB panels and their location in the warehouse is stored in the ERP system. It also prints the labels that are applied to the respective pallets and scanned.

Until recently, these labels were printed in advance, so the forklift operators had to leave their cab each time to label and scan a pallet.

In order to automate the process, Norbord opted for ZetesAtlas, an integrated solution for identification and serialisation. After pallet wrapping, the machine applies the label – always in the same place – and automatically scans the barcode with the stock location and batch number. Then ZetesAtlas ensures that the pallet is shown correctly in Norbord’s warehouse management software. The forklift operator enters the stock locations only once at the start of their shift. Once the pallet has been scanned, the operator takes it to the designated place in the warehouse with an area of approximately 40,000 sq me.

Automation boosts safety and reduces errors

With the help of the automated solution, the forklift operators no longer have to leave their cabs to apply and scan the labels. This also dramatically improves safety, since there’s always a risk of falling every time a forklift operator exits or enters the cab.

“The difference since our project with Zetes is enormous,” says Steven Brouillard, Department Manager Finishing End Operations at Norbord. “We save time, and we are more efficient with fewer scan errors. We were just about to start up a second production line. Thanks to ZetesAtlas, we are now working with an additional line but with the same team. The new solution came at the right time.”

“It’s not easy to link industrial machines to ERP or WMS software”, says Stefan Nysen, Systems Developer at Norbord. “For us this worked out very well with smooth cooperation between our engineering and IT teams on the one hand and Zetes on the other hand. Instead of running on its own in a remote corner of the warehouse, our machine is fully integrated into our operations thanks to the ZetesAtlas identification software.”

Steven Brouillard concludes: “Zetes impressed us with their very professional approach. We started in March 2019 with the first contact, and six months later our two machines were already running at full speed. We also appreciate that we can call Zetes whenever we want to. Looking back, we could ask ourselves why we waited so long.”

VIDEO

Norbord automates labelling of pallets

Norbord, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wood-based panels, produces more than 1,200 square metres of OSB panels per day at its Genk location. Every day the logistics employees apply 1,400 labels to pallets in order to manage the panels and stock. This process was recently automated at Norbord’s Belgian location with a Zetes industrial labelling machine and ZetesAtlas identification software.

After the manufacturing process, the Norbord panels are placed on pallets and wrapped in protective film. Information about the pallets, the OSB panels and their location in the warehouse is stored in the ERP system. It also prints the labels that are applied to the respective pallets and scanned.

Until recently, these labels were printed in advance, so the forklift operators had to leave their cab each time to label and scan a pallet.

In order to automate the process, Norbord opted for ZetesAtlas, an integrated solution for identification and serialisation. After pallet wrapping, the machine applies the label – always in the same place – and automatically scans the barcode with the stock location and batch number. Then ZetesAtlas ensures that the pallet is shown correctly in Norbord’s warehouse management software. The forklift operator enters the stock locations only once at the start of their shift. Once the pallet has been scanned, the operator takes it to the designated place in the warehouse with an area of approximately 40,000 sq me.

Automation boosts safety and reduces errors

With the help of the automated solution, the forklift operators no longer have to leave their cabs to apply and scan the labels. This also dramatically improves safety, since there’s always a risk of falling every time a forklift operator exits or enters the cab.

“The difference since our project with Zetes is enormous,” says Steven Brouillard, Department Manager Finishing End Operations at Norbord. “We save time, and we are more efficient with fewer scan errors. We were just about to start up a second production line. Thanks to ZetesAtlas, we are now working with an additional line but with the same team. The new solution came at the right time.”

“It’s not easy to link industrial machines to ERP or WMS software”, says Stefan Nysen, Systems Developer at Norbord. “For us this worked out very well with smooth cooperation between our engineering and IT teams on the one hand and Zetes on the other hand. Instead of running on its own in a remote corner of the warehouse, our machine is fully integrated into our operations thanks to the ZetesAtlas identification software.”

Steven Brouillard concludes: “Zetes impressed us with their very professional approach. We started in March 2019 with the first contact, and six months later our two machines were already running at full speed. We also appreciate that we can call Zetes whenever we want to. Looking back, we could ask ourselves why we waited so long.”

VIDEO

Alliance to help protect vulnerable road users

Humanising Autonomy, a behaviour AI company, and VisionTrack, a leading in-vehicle video telematics and computer vision provider, have entered into a strategic partnership to bring advanced vulnerable road user (VRU) perception to vehicle operators globally.

Humanising Autonomy’s behaviour AI will be integrated into VisionTrack’s Autonomise.ai solution, enabling a nuanced understanding of human behaviour in fleet management and compliance, insurance, road safety and risk management settings.

Behaviour AI will enable drivers to receive real-time VRU collision warnings. By empowering vehicle camera technology to accurately analyse and predict human behaviours, the technology aims to generate earlier alerts to the driver with a higher degree of accuracy than traditional ADAS systems. The sophisticated Behaviour AI Platform will also enhance VisionTrack’s ability to identify safety challenges and key coaching opportunities for fleet customers by better analysing incident statistics and trends using advanced behavioural insight.

“Humanising Autonomy’s Behaviour AI Platform will help to better support and protect drivers and ultimately save lives on the road,” explains Richard Lane, Commercial Director of VisionTrack. “We are truly passionate about road safety and driver welfare, so we are thrilled about our new partnership with Humanising Autonomy. Together we will deliver cutting-edge technologies that not only benefit our customers, but all road users.”

Autonomise.ai is a next-generation IoT platform that is at the forefront of the video telematics sector. Launched last year, it uses computer vision to collect, process and analyse footage alongside supporting vehicle data from a growing number of connected camera devices. Autonomise.ai is also empowering the latest AI technologies including Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), Driver Status Monitoring (DSM) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD), with the aim of preventing collisions before they happen.

Said Humanising Autonomy’s Chief Executive officer Maya Pindeus: “For us, this partnership is further validation that our Behaviour AI Platform is critical in eliminating pedestrian deaths, and enabling safer fleets.” She continued, “We’re excited about the doors this opens for both parties.”

Tackling the industry’s core challenges with camera perception, the technology can be used in all lighting, road and weather conditions, as well as in areas with high densities of road users. Backed by a dataset of 1 billion human behaviours, Humanising Autonomy offers the best possible VRU detection and prediction and multi-camera support.

Alliance to help protect vulnerable road users

Humanising Autonomy, a behaviour AI company, and VisionTrack, a leading in-vehicle video telematics and computer vision provider, have entered into a strategic partnership to bring advanced vulnerable road user (VRU) perception to vehicle operators globally.

Humanising Autonomy’s behaviour AI will be integrated into VisionTrack’s Autonomise.ai solution, enabling a nuanced understanding of human behaviour in fleet management and compliance, insurance, road safety and risk management settings.

Behaviour AI will enable drivers to receive real-time VRU collision warnings. By empowering vehicle camera technology to accurately analyse and predict human behaviours, the technology aims to generate earlier alerts to the driver with a higher degree of accuracy than traditional ADAS systems. The sophisticated Behaviour AI Platform will also enhance VisionTrack’s ability to identify safety challenges and key coaching opportunities for fleet customers by better analysing incident statistics and trends using advanced behavioural insight.

“Humanising Autonomy’s Behaviour AI Platform will help to better support and protect drivers and ultimately save lives on the road,” explains Richard Lane, Commercial Director of VisionTrack. “We are truly passionate about road safety and driver welfare, so we are thrilled about our new partnership with Humanising Autonomy. Together we will deliver cutting-edge technologies that not only benefit our customers, but all road users.”

Autonomise.ai is a next-generation IoT platform that is at the forefront of the video telematics sector. Launched last year, it uses computer vision to collect, process and analyse footage alongside supporting vehicle data from a growing number of connected camera devices. Autonomise.ai is also empowering the latest AI technologies including Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), Driver Status Monitoring (DSM) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD), with the aim of preventing collisions before they happen.

Said Humanising Autonomy’s Chief Executive officer Maya Pindeus: “For us, this partnership is further validation that our Behaviour AI Platform is critical in eliminating pedestrian deaths, and enabling safer fleets.” She continued, “We’re excited about the doors this opens for both parties.”

Tackling the industry’s core challenges with camera perception, the technology can be used in all lighting, road and weather conditions, as well as in areas with high densities of road users. Backed by a dataset of 1 billion human behaviours, Humanising Autonomy offers the best possible VRU detection and prediction and multi-camera support.

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