In 2022, the sea port, facing challenges with clearing organic matter during sea transportation, including wood, pulp, and coal, decided to invest in remote control technology to mitigate the risks of operator poisoning from toxic gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. The traditional method of ventilating and testing oxygen levels before personnel entry proved insufficient in preventing poisoning incidents. Thus, the port sought to adopt remote control technology not only to enhance safety but also to optimize ventilation time, reduce ship docking time, and improve berth turnover ratio.
Solution
In 2023-2024, the port invested in remote-controlled excavators, specifically the CAT320 model, equipped with advanced 5G network connectivity and intelligent functions to address the challenges associated with organic matter clearing.
- Equipment: CAT320 Excavator.
- Network: 5G.
- Bucket Depth Indicator (BDI): Real-time monitoring of the bucket's spatial position, ensuring precise operation of excavation and discharge.
- Ground Flatness Detection: Identifying uneven ground height to guide excavation decisions.
- Terrain Side Profile Scanning: Utilizing augmented reality technology to display terrain changes, aiding in obstacle avoidance and equipment protection.
Implementation
The implementation involved integrating these intelligent functions into the CAT320 Excavator, enhancing the operator's ability to navigate and operate safely in challenging environments. The technology allowed for real-time monitoring of spatial dynamics, ensuring precise operation and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Results
The adoption of remote-controlled excavators with intelligent functions yielded significant benefits for the sea port:
- Enhanced Safety: By eliminating the need for personnel to enter hazardous cargo holds, the risk of operator poisoning incidents was greatly reduced.
- Optimized Operations: The new functions improved operational efficiency by providing the operator with enhanced spatial awareness, enabling precise excavation and obstacle avoidance.
- Reduced Downtime: With improved safety and efficiency, the port experienced reduced downtime associated with ventilation and testing, leading to faster ship turnaround times and improved berth turnover ratio.
In conclusion, the integration of remote-controlled excavators with intelligent functions not only enhanced safety and operational efficiency but also optimized port operations, demonstrating the value of advanced technology in maritime industries.