Smart Ports: what about RoRo terminal digitalization?

Trailer terminals, especially those handling unaccompanied trailers, face unique challenges. These include managing a vast influx of vehicles, ensuring accurate cargo validation, optimizing yard space, making best use of capacity and human resources, enabling even faster turnaround times, and maintaining smooth data flows across various systems.  

Many terminals still rely on outdated Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) that, while functional, often lack the flexibility and integration needed to address modern challenges. This often results in operational inefficiencies, data silos, and bottlenecks that impede overall productivity. Changing these terminal operating systems can be costly and time-consuming. But necessary for innovation. 

As global trade continues to expand, the volume and complexity of operations in trailer terminals are expected to increase, placing additional strain on already stretched resources. This calls for a strategic approach to digitalization—one that not only addresses current pain points but also positions terminals for future growth. 

The solution lies in the adoption of Smart Port technologies, which integrate advanced digital tools to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of port operations. For trailer terminals, this means embracing a comprehensive digitalization strategy that covers every aspect of the terminal’s operations, from cargo validation and yard management to customer communications and advanced analytics. 

Key components of a Smart Port for trailer terminals include:  

Automated cargo validation

Automating cargo validation processes can significantly reduce the time trucks spend at the terminal gate, improving throughput and reducing congestion. This can be achieved with technologies such as automatic truck and unit detection systems that capture weight, 3D measurements, and trailer numbers as vehicles approach the terminal. Additionally, implementing AI-assisted damage control systems can help identify and document potential damage, providing a reliable record for both the terminal and its customers. As an extension of cargo validation, the identification of people needs to take place to varying degrees. If not for passenger manifests, then for the safety of cargo and terminal operations. Various digital identity verification solutions can be of great help here (incl. biometrics, document scanners, RFID tags etc.) 

Cargo movement

Enhancing cargo movement efficiency within a terminal can be achieved through real-time information sharing and optimized traffic management. By providing expected handling times and assigning time slots for entry and cargo pickup, terminals can streamline the flow of trucks.  

Modern systems are experts at optimizing every move in the terminal to make sure that no movement is made in vain – no empty driving. By predictive analytics of trailer yard capacity, expected vessel arrival and departure times, the correct trailer movements can be assigned for staff at the right point in time (e.g. optimal pre-loading). 

Advanced yard management systems

Effective yard management is crucial for maximizing the use of available space and ensuring smooth operations. Modern yard management systems can assign parking slots dynamically based on real-time data, ensuring optimal use of space and minimizing the need for manual intervention. These systems can also track the movement of trailers within the terminal, providing operators with a clear overview of the yard’s status at any given moment. 

Loading and Unloading  

Streamlining loading and unloading processes requires robust pre-planning and real-time communication. Work orders can be generated in advance to coordinate trailer loading and unloading, providing a comprehensive overview of booked trailers. An app facilitates communication about which units are required on the vessel, while a logbook automatically timestamps loading and unloading at the ramp, updating trailer statuses in real-time. Detection systems warn operators if the wrong trailer is about to be loaded. At the terminal exit, trucks and trailers are identified, and exits are blocked for those that haven’t passed customs, require security checks, or don’t match the pick-up order. 

Oversight and analytics 

Enhanced oversight and analytics tools enable real-time tracking and monitoring of trailer movements throughout the terminal. Timestamps are captured at each step, giving a real-time picture of trailer locations. A visual digital twin of the yard, combined with video surveillance, helps identify trailer movements, parking, theft, accidents, and safety violations. CCTV feeds integrated into a user interface provide a live overview of key terminal areas. Operational reporting, including inventory, productivity, and shift performance metrics, along with hardware performance monitoring and predictive maintenance, are also managed. Additionally, a sustainability portal tracks environmental statistics. 

Planning and management 

The Smart Port systems help to set up the digital trailer yard in a comprehensive and proactive manner. Every aspect of terminal operations is supported by technology and the operating procedures of the digital yard can be changed by a click of a mouse. Effective planning and management involve adjusting business rules, such as random checks, and coordinating vessel arrivals, berth bookings, and departures via Just-In-Time (JIT) systems. Lane allocation, self-service kiosk usage, and arrival slot bookings are planned, with automatic suggestions for yard planning based on departures, volumes, and available staff. Work order planning across the terminal includes loading, reorganizing, and temperature checks, allowing both automated suggestions and manual adjustments. Traffic management schemes and driver communications are configured, with real-time display updates guiding logistics companies and drivers efficiently. 

While the benefits of Smart Ports are clear, the path to digital transformation can be complex. Terminal operators need to balance the need for quick wins—such as improving yard management and cargo validation—with the longer-term goal of building a fully integrated digital ecosystem. 

A practical approach is to start with a high-level plan that outlines the target operating model for the terminal. This should include an assessment of current operations, identification of key challenges, and a clear vision of the future state. With this roadmap in place, terminals can prioritize investments in technology, ensuring that each step forward is aligned with the overall strategy. 

The move towards advanced Smart Ports is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about rethinking how terminals operate to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. By embracing digitalization, terminals can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better service to their customers. The key is to take a strategic, phased approach that balances immediate operational improvements with long-term digital integration.