Brazilian maritime logistics operator, Wilson Sons, has selected ABB’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system and QuayPro module to be employed at the Rio Grande container terminal.

ABB’s OCR system will be utilised for the ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes at the terminal, and the QuayPro module will be used to digitalise container stowage confirmation processes.

The OCR system 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.

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, meanwhile crane drivers receive audiovisual work instructions, enabling the terminal to adapt to dynamic variations.

Adding the OCR system with QuayPro to the existing gate system supports the terminal’s vision to automate and digitalise its processes.

The combination of ABB’s OCR system and the QuayPro module makes it possible to streamline the stowage confirmation process and thus increase operational productivity.

“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 container terminal.

The company has been using ABB’s automated gate systems both at its Rio Grande and Salvador container terminals since 2013.

“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 container terminal.

“Minimising the risk of error on data entry means more efficient operations,” Phonlor added.

The operational solution includes ABB MatchMaker which identifies the terminal trucks, allowing for the automated handoff between crane and terminal vehicles.

In July 2021, ABB deployed a new online platform using cloud-based analytics and data visualisation to optimise ship performance.

In August 2021, Wilson Sons incorporated the IMO TIER III standard in the company’s four tugboats.