Vila Velha Port Terminal invests R$42 mln in remotely operated gantry cranes

The Vila Velha Port Terminal (TVV) in Espírito Santo has been investing in innovation and modernizing port infrastructure. Recently, Log-In Integrated Logistics, the operator of the Terminal, announced an investment of R$ 42 million in ongoing works to make TVV the first port terminal in Latin America to have gantry cranes remotely operated using the same technology utilized by the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The investment is part of the TVV’s concession agreement, renewed in 2020, which envisages investments of R$ 147 million in the first three years of the new contract, reaching R$ 500 million by 2048.

The three gantry cranes, currently undergoing modernization, are the largest in the entire port complex and are responsible for handling a large portion of the containers in Espírito Santo. With the improvements being implemented, operators will control the equipment 100% remotely, through a camera system that provides a 3D view of the entire process, ensuring more safety for personnel and higher performance for operations.

The gantry cranes will also feature the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system, which, through cameras with artificial intelligence, allows for the reliable identification of cargo inside the container and possible damages. Additionally, containers can be automatically weighed and registered in the Terminal Operating System (TOS), with all these processes already executed. Another improvement is the installation of fiber optic links that will enhance communication between the workstation and the equipment, preventing failures.

Gustavo Paixão, a Director at Log-In Integrated Logistics, stated that the new phase of TVV will support the region’s economic development, bringing benefits to the surrounding community. “The investments will contribute to in-state logistics and attract new businesses and projects that need a more modern and higher-capacity terminal, increasing its competitiveness in the port terminal market,” he emphasizes.

Evidence of this is that the investments made in the terminal have already allowed the creation of a new commercial route with China, promoting Brazil-China businesses with the exclusive entry of electric cars through Vitória. The new direct transportation service for electric vehicles in Flat Rack containers is unprecedented in Brazil and the second in Latin America.

Complete Innovation

In addition to the modernization of the gantry cranes, the ongoing works at TVV include the implementation of two new automated gates and new semi-trailers with higher tonnage. Previously composed of 12 units with a capacity of 35 tons each, the fleet was expanded to 14 semi-trailers capable of transporting up to 65 tons each, thus promoting a significant improvement in operational efficiency and logistical performance at the terminal.

However, the initial stages of terminal modernization began in 2021 when approximately R$ 82.9 million were invested in two new MHC cranes, as well as other equipment to improve operating productivity. The acquired cranes can lift loads of up to 350 tons, enabling the operation of any type of cargo with simultaneous lifting, a technology called Thunder.

According to Paixão, all these technological differentiating aspects implemented at TVV will bring various gains in the future. “From a performance point of view, we will have a better level of service for TVV customers, with a 50% increase in capacity, as well as the potential to handle larger volume projects with reliability, ensuring smooth flow of cargo in both import and export flows,” he said.

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