Maersk Espana implements International terminal solutions "safe zone" system (July 09)
Whilst planning a berth reorganisation requiring the movement of some STS cranes for larger vessels, it became apparent that the extended back reach provided by the larger cranes was a potential safety risk to the yard crane operation. The terminal chose to implement the ITS "safe zone" control software on all the RTG yard cranes to allow the berth to be optimised and remove the risk of an RTG to STS spreader collision. The ITS "Safe zone" system is a software application that uses the existing GPS equipment installed on the RTG and allows the terminal to set up safe zones where the system will not allow the driver to drive the crane. The system can be configured for any area and differently on different equipment should the operating characteristics allow some to operate where others may not. "Safe zone" is also provided with a supervisory override facility and offers a very cost effective solution at around $100 USD per crane.


Maersk Espana liked the optimisation and ordered a further 2 STS crane systems
(March 09)
The Spanish terminal have ordered a further 2 ITS’ equipment status monitoring, security access control and container load/ discharge work terminals.
The front end users log-on with their security access cards providing the operational management and maintenance with an instant overview of the operation status of the equipment. Included in the package is the ITS Quay control system connecting to Navis SPARCS via XML and providing windows screens for the load and discharge of the vessels.


GCT takes delivery of 39 Reach Stacker and Top Pick RDT systems (September 2008)
ITS have supplied 39 RDT applications using full colour touch screens for container move instructions for the GCT groups Vanterm container terminal. The systems working over an ITS RDT network link to Navis SPARCS through the standard XML interface.


APMT upgrades System emulators (August 2008)
ITS have upgraded system emulators with the new Navis XML interface and GPS based Position simulation. The systems provide the terminal with the ability to test and recreate operational activity in the equipment mounted systems and Terminal Operating system in a safe off-line world to test new TOS and other systems functionality.


Maersk Espana optimises STS crane operation with ITS systems (July 08)
The Spanish terminal have ordered ITS’ equipment status monitoring, security access control and container load/ discharge work terminals. The front end users log-on with their security access cards providing the operational management and maintenance with an instant overview of the operation status of the equipment. Included in the package is the ITS Quay control system connecting to Navis SPARCS via XML and providing windows screens for the load and discharge of the vessels.


Kalmar Reach-stackers upgraded with ITS systems (March 2008)
ITS are to install full colour touch screen operator work instruction displays complete with a Navis SPARCS XML RDT interface, security card access driver ID and authorisation, and maintenance reporting system to 2 new Kalmar Reach stackers at the Port Of Algeciras.


V-TRAX goes Live (November 2007)
ITS have Development of the new V-TRAX RTG GPS based auto steering system (AGSS) retrofitted on one Paceco RTG.


UK terminal operator upgrades security with D-MON access control (November 2007)
ITS have received an order to upgrade the access control system in a busy engineering stores controlling the allocation of expensive and crucial operation components necessary for the maintenance for the site plant and equipment.


ZPMC RTGs receive the ITS upgrade (September 2007)
4 new ZPMC RTGs are to receive the ITS G-POS Position Determination System package. The system is supplied with the optional modules for; RDT, operator interface, automatic truck /move detection, security access control, and twistlock interlock for invalid moves. The RTGs are scheduled to be delivered to the port of Algeciras for operation in the second quarter of 2008.


Security systems developed to allow fixed site security and access control (July 2007)
ITS have developed the D-MON security system. Security access control and monitoring system for fixed installations. The system is based on existing and proven ITS wireless system for operator authorisation and monitoring vehicles and mobile equipment. This new development will allow ports, terminals, depots and offices to take advantage of the low cost ITS D-MON technology developed for the stringent security required in the international transportation of goods.


APMT adds status reporting to new STS cranes. (May 07)
APMT have ordered ITS’ new equipment status monitoring, security access control and container load/ discharge work terminals for 5 new Quay cranes scheduled to be commissioned during 2007. The systems require the operatives to log-on with their security access cards and provides the operational management and maintenance with an instant overview of the operation status of the equipment. Included in the package is the ITS Quay control system connecting to Navis SPARCS via XML and providing windows screens for the load and discharge of the vessels.


Vanterm Container terminal, Vancouver. orders RFID systems (March 07)
Vanterm container terminal have ordered 8 RTG system to upgrade existing RTG cranes. The systems comprise an RFID equipment tracking system to locate the equipment in the container yard and track containers to yard storage and retrieval locations for all the containers moved or stored in the yard. The system is complete with a site wide radio data network and graphical touch screen containing container move information and will be connected to Navis SPARCS via an XML message exchange server.


Deltaport, British Columbia Canada. orders RFID systems (March 07)
Deltaport container terminal have also ordered 10 RTG systems to upgrade new ZPMC RTG cranes due to arrive on site July 2007. The systems comprise an RFID equipment tracking system to locate the equipment in the container yard and track containers to yard storage and retrieval locations for all the containers moved or stored in the yard. The system is complete with a site wide radio data network and graphical touch screen containing container move information.


TCA upgrades old cranes with ITS advanced systems (January 07)
Terminal de Contenedores de Algeciras operates a multi-user terminal on the Isla Verde, Algeciras, Spain. The terminal handles cargo from Africa and other destinations. And have recently transferred 3 used RTG cranes to the terminal to help with the increasing volumes. ITS have been awarded a contract to install the cranes with the latest ITS radio data network to provide the yard operators with an automated link to the management systems; GPS equipment tracking and container position determination to allow the most efficient targeting of work instructions and automated confirmation of grounding positions; Equipment/operator security. Machine readable ID cards authorise operators to use equipment and access data. Equipment is prevented from operating without the correct driver for that shift.


Deltaport Licences 8 Reach Stacker applications (January 07).
TSI Deltaport has licensed an additional 8 reach stacker onboard systems for ITS. The systems have secure RDT connections to a host planning and inventory management system and display operational move instructions to the reach stacker driver.


Maersk Espana Upgrades 25 existing RTG cranes (January 07).
ITS have signed agreement with Maersk Espana SA to upgrade 28 RTGs in its Algeciras transhipment hub. The supply and install contract was won on the back of the successful upgrade of 10 ZPMC RTGs during 2006. It includes system upgrades and replacements for existing systems using ITS’ latest GPS modules and operational tools including, RDT, Automatic pre- move identification, Automatic real-time move tracking and other operation monitoring tools.


ITS Develops XML interface For Navis SPARCS (January 07).
ITS are in the final stages of releasing a new XML interface designed to interface with and compliment the Navis SPARCS yard and ship planning system for container terminals. The new XML interface has both vessel and yard modules to allow installation across the terminal. The system is also available with an additional translator to allow the system to be connected across an existing narrow band radio data network.


Terminal Systems Inc selects ITS as RMG system vendor (December 06)
ITS are to supply an RFID based RTLS (Real Time Location System) for a intermodal rail operation at the Deltaport Terminal, Canada. The system is to be installed on a new rail mounted gantry crane servicing a rail operation for the Canadian interior, east coast and the Mid West and eastern sea boards of the USA. Included in the system is a Radio data system, operator user interface and an RFID based RTLS system.


GPS fleet navigates across terminal operations (December 06)
ITS have completed the implementation of 20 GPS based systems for APMT. The new systems have been designed to operate across a number of terminals within the Port of Algeciras Bay to suit the operational demand. The systems include:

- ITS radio data network to provide the yard operators with an automated link to the management systems.

- GPS equipment tracking and container position determination to allow the most efficient targeting of work instructions and confirmation of grounding positions.

- ATI (Automated Truck Identification). Providing automatic identification of the truck, containers carried and grounding locations required. This system is an operator keyless system. The actual move for the truck under the RTG is automatically displayed to the operator leaving no scope for incorrect identification.

- Twist-interlock. Provides monitoring of moves and blocking any move this is being carried out incorrectly, with either the wrong container being lifted or the right container being placed in the wrong location.

- Equipment/operator security. Machine readable ID cards authorise operators to use equipment and access data. Equipment is prevented from operating without the correct driver for that shift.

- Equipment maintenance logger. Provides a data link to the terminals ERP system to automatically generate work orders, and to operations to provide an automated overview of the operational status of the equipment in real-time.


ITS Relocates UK main office facilities (June 06)
ITS have relocated to larger premises within the same complex at Loughborough Technology Centre. “The move is part of our structured plan to expand our operations within the ports and terminals sector and give us the additional capacity to cope with increased business levels” commented Richard Lambert ITS’ Managing Director.


Maersk Espańa Orders GPS systems (May 06)
Maersk Espańa have ordered upgrades to 10 ZPMC RTGs operating in the Muelle Juan Carlos I, terminal, Spain. The supply and install contract includes system upgrades and replacements for existing systems using ITS’ latest GPS modules including the embedded XP suite of broad operational tools including, RDT, Automatic pre- move identification, Automatic real-time move tracking and other operation monitoring tools.


Deltaport terminal Trailer Positioning systems II (May 06)
Deltaport container terminal have ordered an additional 7 Advanced Trailer Positioning Systems (ATPS) from ITS.


Deltaport terminal Trailer Positioning systems. (March 06)
Deltaport container terminal have ordered 17 Advanced Trailer Positioning Systems (ATPS) from ITS for state of the art single and Multi-trailer (MTS) Vessel and Intermodal operations.


ITS opens new system prototype and test facilities (Feb 06)
ITS have moved its test and prototype development centre to new premises within the Loughborough Technology Centre. The new facilities have allowed us to expand whist retaining our existing headquarters on the same site at No1 Loughborough Technology Centre commented Adrian McDonnell ITS’ test Manager. We have doubled our available space to allow us to provide a wider range of client hardware support services on site.

XML Marches forward (Jan 06)
ITS have recently implemented a new XML interface for the mobile security and access system. This provides simpler and rapid access to the historic and current user / equipment histories and security authorisation to authorised systems.

XML yard and ship planning interface one step closer. ITS have recently completed a study in association with a leading US based yard and ship planning system vendor. The study for a major shipping line and terminal operator is to demonstrate the expanded interfaces operational benefits.

ITS pilots RFID track, trace, and improved turn around systems for word-wide express courier (December 05)
A major word-wide courier are to pilot an ITS RFID based system aimed at providing greater levels of tracking and tracing for inter-depot line-haulers. The system will provide benefits in reducing manual data entry and provide rapid site authorisation and access control to over come the traditional queue that built up at the gate house in time sensitive logistics operations.

Port Said to…….. (October 05)
Following the recent agreement to supply LoadVIEW systems to Rotterdam, APMT have taken the same decision for Port Said in Egypt. Port Said is a tractor trailer terminal and operated with IMVs. LoadVIEW can be configured to load and unload any combination of containers, 20’, 40’, 45’, twin 20s. The system can even align 2 empty or loaded chassis side by side simultaneously for a Tandem lift. Whilst not a requirement at Port Said the system can also position empty chassis with twistlocks.

Rotterdam takes a new view on vessel loading (September 05)
APMT have recently reached an agreement with ITS to supply the new LoadVIEW system to the Rotterdam Straddle carrier terminal. The system allows the driver of the Straddle Carrier to view the SC in relation to the stopping position. In basic terms it is an augmented birds eye view. Unlike most systems, with LoadVIEW the driver gets a real time view of the container in relation to the stopping position. This allows the driver to adjust his speed to suit as he is able to see the exact distance to the stopping point and he doesn’t have to look sideways to the crane, with obvious safety benefits.

TCA installs ITS advanced systems (August 05)
Terminal de Contenedores de Algeciras operates a multi-user terminal on the Isla Verde, Algeciras, Spain. The terminal handles a lot of cargo from Africa and other destinations. The recently ordered ITS system will help the terminal to maintain its cargo and site security and include the provision of.-ITS radio data network to provide the yard operators with an automated link to the management systems.-GPS equipment tracking and container position determination to allow the most efficient targeting of work instructions and automated confirmation of grounding positions.-Equipment/operator security. Machine readable ID cards authorise operators to use equipment and access data. Equipment is prevented from operating without the correct driver for that shift.

ITS systems help to reduce time STS cranes are out of service (August 05)
As with the ITS system managing the yard equipment in the event of an unplanned equipment outage the new STS system will allow the operator to specify the basic fault using a work screen. The ITS system then automatically advises the on site ERP system with the details of the repair required and the time the equipment was out of service. This allows the ERP system to define the requirements and assign an engineer to the job. Whilst attending the job the engineer signs on and off the system during the repair process.

The ITS system is also connected to an ITS operations monitor located in the terminals operations department. At an instant the operations department can see the status of all the equipment, the nature of the problem, if the engineer is in attendance, and immediately when the equipment is available for operations. The benefits to the terminal are 2 fold, it allows the ERP system to automatically manage and allocate resource and material to unplanned breakdowns without an additional administrative level, and just as importantly it automatically keeps the operations department updated as to the equipment resources available.

APMT orders fully integrated RTG systems from ITS (May 05)
APMT have ordered new system from ITS to install on RTGs supplied by ZPMC. The system modules selected by APMT for integration include:

- ITS radio data network to provide the yard operators with an automated link to the management systems.

- GPS equipment tracking and container position determination to allow the most efficient targeting of work instructions and confirmation of grounding positions.

- ATI (Automated Truck Identification). Providing automatic identification of the truck, containers carried and grounding locations required. This system is an operator keyless system. Where the actual move for the truck under the RTG is automatically displayed to the operator leaving no scope for incorrect identification.

- Twist-interlock. Provides monitoring of moves and blocking any move this is being carried out incorrectly, with either the wrong container being lifted or the right container being placed in the wrong location.

- Equipment/operator security. Machine readable ID cards authorise operators to use equipment and access data. Equipment is prevented from operating without the correct driver for that shift.

- Equipment maintenance logger. Provides a data link to the terminals ERP system to automatically generate work orders, and to operations to provide an automated overview of the operational status of the equipment in real-time.

ITS takes a new view on an old problem with LoadVIEW (May 05)
The new ITS LoadVIEW system allows the driver of a truck, trailer train or Straddle Carrier to view the vehicle in relation to the stopping position. In basic terms it is a computer augmented birds eye view. Unlike most systems, with LoadVIEW the driver gets a real time view of the container or vehicle in relation to the stopping position. Most existing systems use a light or series of lights to show the driver the stopping point making it difficult to judge the exact position. LoadVIEW system allows the driver to adjust his speed to suit as he is able to see the exact distance to the stopping point. With LoadVIEW he doesn't have to look sideways to the crane, he can look forward with obvious safety benefits.

LoadVIEW is rapid to implement and very cost effective, it does not require an external operator, and can be configured to load and unload any combination of containers, 20', 40', 45', twin 20s. The system can even align 2 empty or loaded chassis side by side simultaneously for a Tandem lift. The system can also position empty chassis with twistlocks. The LoadVIEW system also does this without additional hardware or an operator or complex, expensive software.

The system works by positioning cameras on the crane pointed at the loading area both under the crane and in the back reach. Target markers are overlaid on the image and the composite image transmitted to the vehicle driver. The driver has a wireless display and selector enabling him to display the images from the appropriate crane. With the versatility of this new system, not surprisingly ITS have protected it by filing a patent application.

ITS develops custom software to provide real time data for terminals ERP system (March 05)
In the event of an unplanned equipment outage the new system will allow the operator to specify the basic fault using his existing work screen connected to the Yard planning system. The ITS system then automatically advises the ERP system with the details of the repair required and the time the equipment was out of service. This allows the ERP system to define the requirements and assign an engineer to the job. Whilst attending the job the engineer uses a specifically designed Hand Held Unit to sign on and off the system during the repair process. The ITS system is also connected to an ITS operations monitor located in the terminals operations department. At an instant the operations department can see the status of all the equipment, the nature of the problem, if the engineer is in attendance, and immediately when the equipment is available for operations. The benefits to the terminal are 2 fold, it allows the ERP system to automatically manage and allocate resource and material to unplanned breakdowns without an additional administrative level, and just as importantly it automatically keeps the operations department updated as to the equipment resources available.

Terminal Systems Inc Licenses Reach-stacker software (January 05)
TSI have licensed system software from ITS to interface and connect 4 new Reach stackers to their Terminal Operating Software.

Archived news here.