NEWS

Recently, the project “Research and Application of Fully Autonomous Key Technologies for Automated Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes,” jointly developed by INVT and Qingdao New Qianwan Container Terminal Co., Ltd. (QQCTN), won the First Prize of Science and Technology from the China Ports Association, setting a national example for the automation upgrade of traditional terminals.

Background: Smart Port Construction is Imperative

Ports, as critical arteries of the national economy and strategic security hubs, handle over 90% of foreign trade transportation. Facing increasing cargo demand and the trend of larger vessels, traditional operations can no longer meet the requirements of modern logistics for efficiency and intelligence.

Against this backdrop, Shandong Port Qingdao Qianwan United Container Terminal has boldly explored and innovated, becoming the first to complete a fully automated terminal and achieving full localization of the automated rail-mounted gantry crane electric control system.

Project Highlights: Building an Efficient, Safe, and Reliable Intelligent Hoisting System

This renovation project has achieved several key technological breakthroughs, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of automated rail-mounted gantry operations:

1. Localization of Core Components, Autonomous and Controllable
•  Breakthrough: Achieved 100% localization of core components, greatly enhancing independent controllability.
• Innovative Technology: Domestic inverters support synchronous operation of large-span gantry cranes, automatic position correction, and operation speed up to 270m/min.

2. High Efficiency and Stability with Multiple Safeguards
•  Encoder Redundancy Control: Inverter encoder fault detection and fault-tolerant control methods ensure operational stability and reduce downtime.
•   Precise Motor Control: Online motor parameter identification technology ensures long-term operational accuracy and smoother performance.

Key Equipment: GD350-19 Crane-Specific Inverter

The project adopted INVT GD350-19 series high-performance crane inverters, developed based on more than a decade of port crane control experience, with the following advantages:

① Outstanding control performance with comprehensive safety protection functions
② Among the first in the industry to support high safety functions such as STO/SS1/SLS/SBC
③ Provides safe and reliable brake logic and dedicated hoisting functions
④ Flexible cabinet configuration with a single unit, reducing installation and commissioning time
⑤ Widely applicable to crane scenarios in ports, construction, and mining

Setting a Benchmark and Driving Smart Port Transformation in China

The successful operation of this Qingdao Qianwan Terminal automation demonstration project not only improves container handling efficiency but also boosts industry confidence in automated terminals. Looking ahead, INVT will continue to cultivate core smart port technologies, working with more partners to enhance the global competitiveness of China’s ports.