A consortium led by Belfast Harbour has secured funding for a feasibility study exploring the use of autonomous technology to transform port logistics and operations across the United Kingdom.
This initiative involves a partnership with digital solutions provider Aidrivers and container port operator BCT to trial autonomous technology for Terminal Tractors (TT).
These vehicles, essential for moving containers between quay cranes and storage areas, are traditionally significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The study will evaluate whether autonomous operations can reduce environmental impact, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency.
“The project is part of Belfast Harbour’s commitment to building a sustainable future and further enhances our ESG credentials by partnering with key tenants to help them address Scope 3 emissions. The study aims to reduce the amount of time TTs are idle, increase throughput of containers and investigate the potential for higher skilled jobs,” commented Laura O’Neill, Digital Transformation Manager at Belfast Harbour.
Backed by nearly US$500,000 from the UK Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund, the project will be conducted at Belfast Harbour’s Victoria Terminal 3 container terminal over five months, starting in November.
As the first project of its kind in the UK and Ireland, its goal is to retrofit existing TTs with autonomous software and hardware, aiming for up to 30% fuel efficiency improvements. Additionally, it seeks to demonstrate the scalability and cost-effectiveness of autonomous solutions for smaller ports, potentially setting a benchmark for global adoption.
“This feasibility study marks a critical step in implementing autonomous TT solutions in UK regional ports, leveraging local expertise and technology to deliver environmental benefits, cost savings, operational efficiencies, and support for resilient supply chains essential for national and global trade,” stated Alec Colvin, a spokesperson from Belfast Container Terminal.
