Beckett Rankine joined with global crane manufacturers Konecranes to launch the pioneering Future Fields concept at TOC Europe 2024 in Rotterdam this June.  

Future Fields aims to tackle challenges such as limited land availability and increasing vessel sizes. 

Tero Vallas and Hannu Oja, Konecranes, described how the concept combines an innovative system of Ship-to-Shore portal cranes, indented berth layouts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated high-bay container warehouses.  

The automated container warehouse allows containers to be stacked up to 14 high, with the ability to load and unload individual containers without moving any others. They emphasised the potential for the warehouse to generate electricity using solar panels, which, coupled with the automated stacking, ensures a greener system in a smaller footprint than existing container storage options. 

Gordon Rankine, Beckett Rankine, outlined the innovative COFASTRANS system of using an indented berth and portal crane system that would enable the vessel to be served from both sides simultaneously. The cranes have a shorter cycling time than conventional STS cranes, meaning more moves can be carried out in the same time frame. The cranes can be operated at lower speeds, using less energy and reducing wear on the components. They are also positioned further back from the quay edge, preventing the possibility of vessel collisions and crane collapse. As such, COFASTRANS offers a faster, safer and greener way to load and offload container vessels. 

Each component of Future Fields is designed to integrate with existing cargo handling setups and improve productivity and efficiency. However, when used together, the benefits are significantly advanced. The flexibility of Future Fields means it could be deployed in many locations, accounting for their unique needs and layout.  

The speakers highlighted the need for radical new thinking to overcome modern-day challenges, inviting industry leaders to explore how technology could revolutionise container handling ports.  

Gordon Rankine said, “It’s time to radically update our thinking if we are to overcome the challenges faced by ports today. With finite land resources and vessel sizes ever increasing, we have the opportunity to create transformational change by breaking out of convention and deploying technology to the advantage of ports and shipping lines. We are grateful for the opportunity to have launched Future Fields at TOC Europe with so many key players present – it now lies with them to be among the first to step into the future of container handling operations.”  

Watch the Future Fields launch presentation recording on LinkedIn

More information on the Future Fields concept   
 
More information on COFASTRANS