PSA Singapore (PSA), a part of PSA International, will include 22 new automated guided vehicles (AGV) in its container terminals, increasing the fleet to 30 units.
The AGVs, which are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of next year, will be used to transport containers between the quay side and the container yard without human drivers.
Of the 22 new orders, 18 will be delivered by Finland-based Cargotec CHS, two by France-based Gaussin Manugistique, and two by Japan-based Toyota Industries.
Once delivered, the new units will join PSA’s existing eight hybrid-powered AGVs operating at Pasir Panjang Terminal, Singapore.
PSA International Southeast Asia regional CEO Ong Kim Pong said: "Investing in advanced port technologies remains a key element in PSA’s development of our terminals in Singapore to meet the challenges of growing consolidation and mega-alliances calling at our port.
"These new fully electric AGVs underline PSA’s commitment towards ensuring an environmentally friendly port, as well as to enhance the skills of our people in managing these technologies.
"We look forward to seeing the results of the progress being made by our teams in preparing PSA for the consolidation of container operations at the future Tuas Terminal."
In a bid to ensure PSA’s commitment to sustainable business and green port technologies, the new AGVs will be powered by battery and will help zero-emission operations in the port area.
For all the newly ordered AGVs, Microvast Power Systems will provide the battery systems.
Further, in order to provide battery charging during operations, PSA has awarded a contract to supply three automated DC charging stations to Singapore’s New Resource Technology.
In future, the new AGVs will be integrated with the existing AGV system as part of the on-going initiatives to develop port technology solutions for the under-development automated Tuas Terminal.
In April this year, Tuas Terminal, a major component of Singapore’s next generation port vision, has entered into the first phase of its construction.
Once completed, the 20 deep-water berths in Phase 1 of Tuas Terminal development will be able to handle nearly 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year.
