Working Smarter with RTGS

PTP has implemented Navis RTG optimisation to automate execution decisions, increase crane productivity and improve the operating efficiency of its RTG fleet

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Malaysia is a joint venture between MMC Corporation Berhad (70%) and APM Terminals (30%) PTP is well known as one of the largest transshipment hubs in the world, handling 11.2M TEU in 2021. It operates on a single linear wharf, with berths 14 on 5.04km of quay. PTP container yard has a slot capacity of 240, 000 TEU and is served by a massive fleet of 172 RTGs and 518 prime movers (terminal tractors)

Over a decade ago, PTP implemented and RTG scheduling system from another vendor. More recently, the terminal has deepened its collaboration with Navis for operational software. After a successful upgrade to the Navis N4 TOS in 2019, PTP and Navis has worked together on several other product that the terminal operator said, “improve safety, efficiency and reduce waste”. These include software for lashing and pinning, smart apps for reefer management and hatch clerks Ops View and part of the Navis current analytics solution.

“Following this success, we looked at area of improvement and agreed RTG optimisation was, and area need,” said PTP.  “With a good track record and proven products, PTP is confident the collaboration with Navis can continue to benefit both companies moving forward.”

Yard Challenge
Managing and balancing the yard work across a very large fleet of RTGs presents many challenges, including determining how many RTGs to deploy to effectively support yard peaks while balancing the workload as evenly possible across all the machines per shift. This “required significant human interaction to ensure the operation ran smoothly”, the terminal operator said. “Manual tasks included providing the correct work zone on the RTG driver’s screen proper prioritisation of the work on each RG screen, and importantly, looking ahead to ensure the right RTG resources were placed where they would be needed.”

The primary goal of the RTG optimisation project was to move the need for significant human interaction in the RTG deployment and management process. “In addiction, we needed a system that would look ahead on 40-plus cranes and determine resources requirements in the hours ahead. We also needed and algorithm that would prioritise jobs automatically according to areas of highest demand and customer impact.

“Most importantly, we wanted a system that ensured our talented control room staff only had to manage exceptions and better spent their time looking for waste in the system to drive and efficient operation. Finally, we wanted a system that would utilise idle time and ensure the RTG could prepare and uncover upcoming load moves instead of waiting for the truck to arrive.”

CHE ranges
To achieve this, the Navis RTG optimisation module (RTGO) automatically applies container handling equipment ranges to the whole operation without human interaction. “Moreover, it automatically prioritises job lists according to productivity requirements. It looks at upcoming and suggests movements of RTGs between blocks.  This will also be automated in future versions.  Finally, it reviews all upcoming load and road movers for hours ahead, and when an RTG is idle, it assigns rehandlings to that machine instead of wasting time for both the RTG and truck when the load is required.” explained PTP.

To monitor performance, the RTGO feature multiple KPI measures, including productivity per RTG, cycle time per prime mover and RTG block change. RTGO “has positively impacted all”, said PTP. “Most importantly, our RTG operators enjoy their control over their own job, which is evident during our engagements with the team.”

Commenting on the implement, Joe Scofield, PTP’s has chief operation officer, noted that the software has helped the terminal towards its goal to use technology to create a safer and more productive work environment.

“Our recent accomplishment in becoming the first port in Malaysia to surpass 1M TEU hand mark in a month is a good example of how enhanced visibility it’s across all RTGs in our yard and upcoming jobs at our terminal enable to us to take strategic action to enhance our efficiency, crane productivity and truck turnaround time. This simultaneously provides our workface with and advanced tool to continue delivery best-in-class service for our customers,” he said.

It is interesting to note that creating a better work environment and productivity are the top goals for PTP. Yard planning software is often marketed as a tool to help reduce the amount of equipment deployed and thereby lower operating and capital costs. PTP said the focus of this project was not to reduce the number of machines deployed, but to lift RTG productivity to support STS cranes operating at a higher rate. “Therefore, quay cranes productivity results in higher customer service levels, while also growing our terminal capacity and related throughout due to shorter port stays. We see this as a win-win for our shareholders and, most importantly, our customers,” concluded PTP.

The project is a good result for PTP as it moves forward with its digital strategy roadmap. “The transition of digitalisation and automation is speeding up the entire maritime industry,” said Marco Neelsen, CEO of PTP.

“To secure efficient, sustainable operations and business competitiveness, PTP has proactively invested in its asses and infrastructure, aligned with PTP ESG agenda and digital strategy roadmap. PTP is committed to continues with the journey and further create sustainable value for customers, shareholders and other shareholder.”