UK ports should move beyond pilot projects and deploy autonomous transport systems at commercial scale, according to a new study commissioned by mobility organisation Zenzic.
The Barriers and Opportunities for Automation in UK Ports report, produced by WSP, says connected and automated mobility (CAM) could improve port productivity, supply-chain resilience and competitiveness.
It warns that the UK maritime sector has not yet matched progress in parts of Asia and Northern Europe, where ports have moved from research and trials to commercially viable automation.
Existing UK projects
UK examples include autonomous container-handling vehicles at the Port of Tyne and Port of Felixstowe, the country’s first Digital Trade Testbed at Teesside Freeport, and a self-driving shuttle at Belfast Harbour.
The findings follow PD Teesport’s announcement of a US$5.1m (£3.81m) agreement with Westwell for autonomous vehicles at Teesport Container Terminal 2. The deal includes electric autonomous terminal tractors and an automation system for horizontal container movements, integrated with the terminal’s existing operations.
WSP director Sam Boyd Williams said: “The UK already has many of the ingredients needed to become a leader in port automation, including world-class expertise in engineering, software, AI and connected mobility technologies.
“What is needed now is a concerted effort from industry, government and technology providers to move beyond successful pilots and demonstrations towards long-term deployment at scale.”
Williams said the UK did not need to replicate larger international ports, but could use its strengths in retrofitting and modernising complex brownfield sites.
“Doing so can help strengthen productivity, supply-chain resilience and competitiveness while supporting wider decarbonisation ambitions,” he added.
Focus on mixed-mode operations
The report recommends integrated terminal operating systems, more artificial-intelligence applications, expanded pilot demonstration programmes and greater use of expertise from other advanced technology sectors.
It also identifies an opportunity for the UK to lead in mixed-mode automation, where autonomous and manually operated equipment work safely alongside one another in existing port environments.
Zenzic, established by the UK Government and industry to develop the UK’s CAM ecosystem, has supported several port-related projects. It is a founding member of the UK’s Port Automation Group, alongside Thames Freeport, Amazon, WSP, Oxa and the UK Major Ports Group.
Zenzic programme director Mark Cracknell said the report showed that ports needed to turn the results of CAM studies and trials into permanent deployments.
“From readying brownfield sites for autonomous vehicles to increased collaboration and government support, the report presents a roadmap for ports seeking to embrace CAM,” he said.