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Belfast wins funds to test autonomous terminal tractors

[ November 19, 2024   //   ]

A consortium led by Belfast Harbour has been awarded funding for a feasibility study into autonomous technology

It will partner with digital solutions provider Aidrivers and container port operator BCT to trial the use of automatic terminal tractors (TTs) to transport containers between quay cranes and storage areas. 

Traditional TT operations contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and the study will test whether autonomous operation reduces their environmental impacts, increases safety and enhances operational efficiency.  

Funding of almost £400,000 has been secured from the UK Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to carry out the study at Belfast Harbour’s Victoria Terminal 3 container terminal over five months starting in November. 

The primary objective of the project, which is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland, is to fit existing TTs with autonomous software and hardware. 

Digital transformation manager at Belfast Harbour, Laura O’Neill, said: “We are excited to launch this initiative, which seeks to address a critical gap in the shipping supply chain, where traditional TT operations have been a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and operational inefficiencies.  

“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.” 

Chief marketing communication officer at Aidrivers, Sadaf Ghani,  added: “Our goal is to develop and demonstrate a regulatory-compliant autonomous TT solution that can be seamlessly replicated across regional ports in the UK and beyond. By showcasing the scalability and efficiency of autonomous TTs in smaller ports, the initiative aims to set new standards in global port operations while positioning UK companies as leaders in autonomous port technologies.” 

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