Within the next 10-15 years many of the major stevedores will automate and the AutoStrad will be an attractive proposition for many of these operators” says Matt Hollamby, Brisbane Manager, Terminals Division, Patrick Corporation.

Kalmar’s automated straddle carrier terminal is a proven, modular, scalable and flexible automation platform that uses state-of-the-art vehicle navigation systems, combined with the advanced terminal logistic system (TLS) for equipment control.

At the heart of the solution is the automated straddle carrier (AutoStrad): a driverless straddle carrier that can automatically pick, transport, and place containers, providing free-ranging horizontal transport at speeds of up to 30 kilometres an hour. The straddle supports ISO 20, 40 and 45-foot dry containers and reefers, provides twin forming and lifting, and interchanges with quayside operations, truck, automated stacking cranes, rail mounted gantries, and manned reach-stackers.

In 2005, the first fully-automated AutoStrad container terminal was opened by Patrick Stevedores in Fisherman Island, Brisbane. This was a collaboration between Patrick Technology and Systems, and Kalmar. In 2012, the Asciano AutoStrad solution was transferred to Kalmar, and the current AutoStrad and AutoShuttle solutions have been developed by teams both in Sydney, Australia and Tampere, Finland. AutoStrad terminals now operate in Patricks’ Botany Terminal, Australia (2015), TraPac LA Terminal, USA (2016) and, VICT Melbourne Terminal, Australia (2017).