Method of automating a loading and unloading of container ships in container terminals, and crane automation system

US6931314B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Maarten Holland · Baiersdorf, DE
• Wolfgang Wichner · Wendelstein, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2005
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B27/19
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a method of automating the loading and unloading of container ships in container terminals, a stowage plan of a ship cargo compartment to be handled by a container crane is transmitted from a harbor-side master computer via a data link to a PC of a crane automation system which renders the container crane operative in response to the stowage plan for transporting containers between a container ship and a repository location in a container storage area of the container terminal. The stowage plan is displayed on a touch screen of the crane automation system, whereby a next following repository location to be handled in the stowage plan is indicated on the touch screen, e.g. through a change in color.