Terminal Automation ROI
Meaning ~ Metric evaluating the financial viability of autonomous equipment upgrades based on productivity gains against total acquisition and operating costs.
Quay Crane Performance
Meaning
Mechanical metrics evaluating the hourly container movement capability of a shore-side crane determine the speed of vessel discharge and loading. Calculating quay crane performance requires measuring gross moves per hour to reflect the efficiency of the crane operator and the ground crew. It is the primary bottleneck in the flow of cargo from the ship to the yard.
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Cycle Speed
The time taken for the spreader to descend, lock onto a container, and lift it back to the shore defines the base capability. High quay crane performance requires the trolley to move at maximum speed without compromising safety. ~
Operational Availability
Downtime for maintenance or technical faults reduces the overall capacity of the berth. Consistent quay crane performance is only possible when the machines are kept in peak condition through regular inspections. Wind speed and heavy rain can also force a stop to operations for safety reasons.
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Stowage Influence
Vessel design and the way containers are stacked on board impact the difficulty of the lift. Quay crane performance is typically higher when moving containers from the deck compared to the deep holds of a large ship. Re-stows and shifted cargo also slow the process.
This metric is a central point of negotiation in stevedoring contracts.