SIM-TWIST

Background:

When automating container handling, a basic distinction is made between semi-automated and fully automated terminals. However, even with fully automated container terminals, there are activities that currently still have to be carried out manually. These include, in particular, the handling of twistlocks. Twistlocks are mechanical fasteners that are used to secure containers on ships. These are removed manually by terminal employees and attached to the containers, which is known as twistlock handling. In particular, this activity has a high potential for automation in many ways. For example, automated twistlock handling systems (ATS) could improve occupational safety and reduce the process-related waiting time and load on the container gantry crane, process uncertainty and personnel and cost expenditure.

Project goals:

Currently, no container terminal uses automated twistlock handling systems in live operation and there is a lack of comprehensive research into these technologies. The SIM-TWIST project addresses this research gap and aims to gain insights into the use of ATS in an automated environment. The aim is to quantify the potential benefits and derive the necessary requirements for the ATS and related terminal processes.

Tasks of the Fraunhofer CML:

The Fraunhofer CML contributes its in-depth expertise in the areas of port operations, terminal planning and simulation competence.

As part of SIM-TWIST, the CML is involved in the analysis of commercially available products and innovative technological approaches in the field of automated twistlock handling. The Fraunhofer CML is also involved in the development of a simulation environment that enables users to investigate a variety of automated terminal operation concepts.

Project Consortium:

The consortium consists of Eurogate Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven GmbH & Co.KG (coordinator), Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) and Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH (BIBA) as project partners.

SIM-TWIST is being funded over two years by the IHATEC II- Innovative Port Technologies II funding program of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs. The project runs from January 2025 to December 2026.