container Archives

Adriatic Gate Welcomes MSC’s New HADRIA Service

Posted on 18 April, 2025 by Will Priestman

Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Rijeka in Croatia, welcomed the commencement of the new HADRIA service by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with the maiden call of the MSC ANNICK on 9 April.

MSC’s standalone service marks a significant development for North Adriatic trade connectivity, offering direct weekly connections to the Far East via Malta.

“With the breakup of the 2M Alliance, we are excited to welcome the new standalone MSC HADRIA service to AGCT,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

“We expect shippers to embrace the new service, as well as MSC’s global connectivity and continued commitment to Rijeka as a major gateway for the Balkans and Central Europe,” he added.

The HADRIA service makes regular weekly calls, strengthening AGCT’s network and enhancing options for regional shippers looking for reliable, efficient access to global markets. With this new addition, AGCT continues to expand its portfolio of direct services, supporting the increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions in the Adriatic region.

With a rich port history with over 50 years of industry experience, we seek to take advantage of our geographic position and provide an efficient gateway to Central and South East Europe

Recognizing that we are just one part of the logistics chain, we strive provide a seamless product ensuring all rail and road hinterland connections are met and providing additional services for your container.

With continuous investment in people, new technologies and infrastructure we are committed to meet customer requirements.

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Rio Grande Container Terminal Efficiency

Posted on 1 March, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Wilson Sons, the largest integrated port and maritime logistics operator in the Brazilian market, has selected ABB’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes at Rio Grande container terminal, including the QuayPro module to digitalize container stowage confirmation processes. The company has been using ABB’s automated gate systems both at its Rio Grande and Salvador container terminals since 2013. Adding Crane OCR with QuayPro to the existing gate system supports their vision to automate and digitalize terminal processes.

“This partnership means one more step towards our commitment to achieve even more efficient and sustainable operations, through technology and process automation,” said Paulo Bertinetti, Executive Director of the Rio Grande terminal.

The ABB Crane OCR solution automates the process of capturing data as containers are loaded and discharged by STS cranes. Using ABB’s advanced AI imaging technology, the system captures container numbers, ISO codes, door orientation, bolt seal presence and hazardous material labels, as well as recording images for damage inspection purposes. With the exception management system clerks can correct or adjust transactions in real time from a remote location. The solution also includes ABB MatchMaker™ which identifies the terminal trucks, allowing for the automated handoff between crane and terminal vehicles.

“ABB Crane OCR gives us an efficiency edge while the ability to streamline the stowage process automatically represents a productivity differentiator,” said Giovanni Phonlor, Operations Director of the Rio Grande terminal. “Minimizing the risk of error on data entry means more efficient operations. Technology works hand in hand with leaner, greener operations, ready for growth in traffic and in vessel capacity,” he added.

The combination of ABB Crane OCR and the QuayPro module makes it possible to streamline the stowage confirmation process, with increased productivity as a result. The module determines the actual stowage position of containers during vessel loading operations, providing input to the terminal operating system to create an accurate outbound BAPLIE (bayplan/stowage plan occupied and empty locations message) file, in addition to confirming the accuracy of inbound stow positions. Any deviation from the load or discharge plan is reported in real time enabling the terminal to adapt to dynamic variations. In addition, crane drivers get audio-visual work instructions.

“The new QuayPro module is more than an extension of the OCR system; it will change the way container terminals operate. We are proud to further strengthen our relationship with Wilson Sons and to see the positive impact of our technology on the Rio Grande container terminal operations,” said Richard Micheli, Product Line Manager OCR, ABB Marine & Ports.

Pharma container available for demonstration

Posted on 22 November, 202229 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Tower Cold Chain’s latest product for smaller pharmaceutical shipments, the KTEvolution container offering protection, security, and visibility in a small box, is now available for demonstration globally, at the company’s Centres of Excellence in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions.

The KTEvolution is the most recent addition to the temperature-controlled specialist’s product range and is available in 26-litre and 57-litre options, offering a new lightweight and cost-effective solution for the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Demonstrations will be held at Tower’s three Centres of Excellence in Reading (UK), Philadelphia (US) and Singapore where customers and prospects can gain tangible insights and observe the KTE’s benefits and features in real-time.

Hosted by Tower’s sales team, customers will have unmediated access to experts during the demonstration process and can ask detailed questions to help inform purchase decisions. Upon request, customers can also book a demonstration at their own location, where a Tower Cold Chain sales representative can organise a suitable date and time for customers within one working day.

This complementary offer comes after the KTEvolution’s successful debut at LogiPharma and CPHI Frankfurt in 2022.

Niall Balfour, CEO, Tower Cold Chain, says: “We have seen a significant interest following this year’s exhibition season, after showcasing the KTEvolution for the first time. The KTEvolution fills a gap in the cold chain market and provides a more compact, light-weight option that we feel many industries, customers and patients will be able to benefit from.

“We have found in-person demonstrations to be far more beneficial to our customers as they allow for a more in-depth insight into Tower’s products. We are delighted to be able to offer this service for the KTEvolution.”

The reduced weight and easy-to-handle nature of the KTEvolution makes it an ideal option for smaller shipments such as direct-to-patient, samples shipment, and last-mile deliveries.

The KTEvolution range will be available across a full temperature range, capable of transporting pharmaceuticals, life-science, and biotech products that require an internal temperature of -80°C, -60°C, -20°C, +5°C, +20°C and can provide 120+ hours of insulation without requiring any external power source or intervention.

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