Designing Buildings for New Automated Terminals

Automated container terminals have been operating in Europe for several years. The APMT terminal in Portsmouth, Virginia, is the first automated terminal to begin operations in the United States. At this time, there are several automated terminals in the design and construction phases in the United States. Automated terminals are bringing new levels of technology to use, many of which need to be integrated into the design of the buildings located there. Terminal operators want to utilize the latest equipment, computer hardware, and software in order to optimize their operational efficiency. However, the rate of change of technology that applies to container terminals is proceeding at a rapid pace. Operators are concerned about making important decisions that may limit their ability to adapt to future technological opportunities. This can introduce a level of uncertainty that can make the design decision process more difficult. For this reason, it is important for the design of new buildings at automated terminals to incorporate adequate flexibility in order to allow changes to alternate systems as technological advances dictate through the operational life of the terminal. This paper will provide an overview of the various operational elements of new technology that are having an influence on the design of terminal buildings in automated terminals. This will include a review of automatic container handling equipment and how their traditional means of operating is transitioning from "on the machine" to a remote location, now frequently placed in buildings. Additionally, a look at flexible work bays in maintenance facilities will show how an operator can keep their options open and make changes in their equipment fleet without being limited by building space. There will also be discussion on how operational buildings are being configured to allow significant revamping of communications cabling to adapt to new systems without incurring significant renovation costs. It will conclude with a review of the newly designed and constructed operational buildings at the Middle Harbor Terminal at Pier E at the Port of Long Beach for Long Beach Container Terminal and OOCL. This will be one of the first automated terminals on the United States West Coast and the buildings incorporate many of the elements discussed in the paper.