News Release:  23 April, 2012

Contact: Clay Kent, (+51) 9517.51269

Email:  clay@aps-technology.com

Brasil’s TCP Chooses APS Technology for Gate and Rail OCR Container Terminal Solutions

Terminal de Contêineres de Paranaguá will install first on-dock rail OCR solution in South America

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal container terminals, announced Terminal de Contêineres de Paranaguá  (TCP), the third largest container terminal in Brasil, has chosen APS Technology for gate OCR and rail OCR solutions at its terminal.  This is the first on-dock rail OCR solution to be installed in South America. TCP is implementing the APS Automated Gate System optical character recognition (OCR) solution and rail OCR solution to boost efficiency and eliminate congestion.  The solution will automate the container identification process at the gate and rail entry and exit points with the collection of high-resolution images.

TCP is implementing one of the largest investment programs in the Brasilian port industry aimed at expanding capacity and increasing efficiency. In fact, terminal capacity increased 50% this year to 1.2million TEUs per year. Terminal productivity increased from 30 moves per hour in 2010 to 56 moves per hour last month.  The APS solutions will further help TCP handle larger gate volumes and streamline the current rail discharge process by automating the identification of rail-laden containers and their associated weights into the company’s terminal operating system.  Currently, the rail process is cumbersome and time-consuming – trains come in three times a day, a reach stacker picks the container off the train and puts it on a truck.  The truck drives to the main gate for weighing and then is taken to be stored in the stacks.  The APS OCR container identification solution will work in tandem with a new weight-capture system with in-ground weight sensors under the track.  The weight and identification will be captured while the train is in motion, eliminating multiple steps from the process and dramatically boosting efficiency.

“Since the change of TCP shareholding structure last year, when the private equity fund Advent International acquired 50% of TCP, we launched several initiatives to increase efficiency and productivity. The implementation of best of breed technology solutions, as the APS OCR systems, will allow us to achieve further operational improvements, elevating TCP operations to the level of the best terminals in the world” said Luiz Antonio Alves, TCP’s CFO.

“The Brasil container shipping market has been growing every year for over a decade and is expected to continue to grow,” said Allen Thomas, APS COO.  “Implementing automation and technology to improve efficiency will give terminals a competitive edge.  We’re glad to be a part of this important project installing the first on-dock rail OCR in South America.”

About TCP
TCP is Brasil’s third-largest container port terminal, operating under a concession regime at the Port of Paranaguá since 1998. The company has a current capacity of 1,200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year and with the new investments planned for 2012, TCP should grow its capacity to some 1.5 million TEUs per year by 2013. In addition to Advent, the company’s shareholders include Pattac Empreendimentos e Participações S/A, TUC Participações Portuárias S/A, Soifer Participações Societárias Ltda., Grup Maritim TCB S.L. and Galigrain S.A. More information about TCP is available at www.tcp.com.br.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 1000 OCR and automation systems installed at 44 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, DP World and ICTSI.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

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Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 704.442.5554 ext. 101

Email:  allen@aps-technology.com

TCBuen increases productivity and security on a small terminal footprint through automation

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced it will be presenting at the Port & Terminal Technology International Conference, April 25-26, in Miami Florida. Matt Ramsey, APS Director of Business Development, will demonstrate how OCR and process automation can increase terminal productivity, throughput capacity and security without expanding the terminal footprint on April 25, at 1:40pm.

The Buenaventura port is a strategic enclave for international shipping lines and demand is expected to increase with the Panama Canal expansion.  TCBuen sought to increase capacity without growing its footprint and worked with APS to get the most productivity in the smallest terminal space.

“TCBuen has a vision to become the premier container facility in the region by combining operational best practices and automation technology wherever possible,” said TCBuen’s project director Victor Munoz.  “The APS Technology solutions reduce the need for manual intervention at the terminal, increasing data accuracy, productivity and throughput capacity while greatly reducing our risk of smuggling, theft and injuries.”

The Port and Terminal Technology Conference and Exhibition covers the latest developments, issues, trends and technology affecting ports and terminals around the globe.  For more information, or to register, visit www.millenniumconferences.com.

About TCBuen

TCBuen is owned by Spain’s leading port terminal operator, Grup TCB. Along its 438 meters of quay (wharf) and 14-meter draft it can accommodate two vessels within the phase 1 operation. TCBuen will be able to welcome many users in the port, increasing the competition on Colombia´s Pacific coast and providing importers and exporters the highest quality and efficiency standards.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 800 OCR and automation systems installed at 44 marine and intermodal container terminals in 16 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, DP World and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.  For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

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To read more click here.

APS Crane OCR solution is integrated with real-time container weight capture to improve productivity and security

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA) has implemented the APS Quay Crane Automation Solution at its container terminal in Guayaquil, Ecuador. CGSA is the first port in Latin America to use Crane OCR technology. In addition to the OCR solution, CGSA has implemented a spreader based system for container weight capture, automatically collecting all information in real time, and improving container processing times. All data from the combined solution is integrated to the Navis SPARCS TOS.

“Using the APS solution with our new weight capture system has improved our productivity and processing time significantly,” said Jaime Guazhco, CGSA Project Manager. “Several time-consuming, manual steps have been removed from the process, so throughput is faster and it is a much safer environment.”

The APS solutions automatically identify containers loaded and discharged by the STS cranes to improve data accuracy, throughput and security while decreasing overall operating costs. CGSA is also using APS’ MatchMakerTM system to automatically associate containers to terminal-owned trucks during handoff, allowing for work assignment and confirmation without manual intervention. The APS SureStow solution will automatically verify the final load position of containers onboard the vessel – comparing the planned load events to the actual placement and noting any deviation from the plan.

“We are proud to be the first in Latin America to use Crane OCR at our terminal,” said Pablo Triviño, Operations Manager for CGSA. “Our overall productivity has improved as a result of the combined OCR and weight capture system including better efficiencies and utilization of our terminal trucks.”

“When evaluating technology, it is important to us to find a solution that has been proven in environments similar to ours,” said Rodrigo Murillo, IT Manager for CGSA.  “While it is new to Latin America, the APS Crane OCR solution has been installed around the world so we were confident it would be a good solution for our business.”

About Contecon Guayaquil SA
CGSA is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), a leading port management company involved in the operations and development of 19 maritime terminals and port projects in 13 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cgsa.com.ec.

About APS Technology Group
APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals. The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 800 OCR and automation systems installed at 44 marine and intermodal container terminals in 16 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and DP World.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or support partners in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

The issue of misdeclared container weight has come to the forefront of the news lately, with several groups calling for a worldwide container weight initiative that requires terminal operators to validate the weights prior to handling. Knowing the correct weight of a container with its cargo seems like a logical and vital piece of information.  However, in reality carriers are stuck relying on a shipper’s declaration and the true weight is commonly underdeclared.  Sometimes the declaration of the incorrect weight is intentional to save money, but often it’s because the proper equipment to accurately weigh and track a container on port premises didn’t exist.  The repercussions of these inaccuracies range from costly to deadly. Carriers lose money that is rightfully theirs when charged weights are less than the actual. From a safety standpoint, stack weight can affect ship stability and can endanger shoreside workers and seafaring personnel.

The World Shipping Council cited the following problems of overweight containers:

• Incorrect vessel stowage decisions
• Collapsed container stacks
• Containers lost overboard
• Damage to ships
• Stability and stress risk to ships
• Risk of personal injury to seafarers and shoreside workers
• Lost revenue and earnings
• Impairment of vessels’ optimal trim and draft – causing poor efficiency and greater emissions

Several industry groups are addressing the issue and calling for mandated weighing requirements. The voluntary method simply has not been working, so more formal measures are called for. Several marine groups have recommended a legal requirement that all containers be weighed at the marine port facility before they are stowed aboard a vessel for export.  But how realistic is that to implement at a terminal?  PEMA (Port Equipment Manufacturers Association) recommends that all lifting machinery in the marine chain be able to determine the weight being lifted. This puts the power in the marine terminal operator’s hands to verify the accuracy of declared weight and make correct loading decisions accordingly.

Wherever a container is lifted, it has the possibility with emerging technology to read the weight accurately, including:

• At the Quay Crane – accurate equipment should be required here so the correct weight is known before the crane driver attempts to move a box.  Example: a driver attempting to unload an overweigh box on board needs to kow it before he moves the container a significant distance – before any gantry, at least.

• Truck gates on the perimeter of he Yard to capture weight prior to CY or quay area

• Truck gate – weigh scales are commonly added to OCR portals or existing gate lanes to enable this function for entering traffic.

• Train/Rail interchange – weighing systems installed on spreaders of the container handling equipment that service the train; or truck gates at the perimeter of the yard to capture (prior to CY or Quay area entry)

The World Shipping Council (WSC) and International Consortium of Shippers (ICS) have proposed that the SOLAS convention be amended to require marine terminal operators to weigh stuffed cargo containers upon receipt and to have a verified container weight before loading a stuffed container aboard a ship for export. The standard would be required of all loaded containers, whether received through the port facility gate or trans-shipped at the port facility via another vessel, barge or rail. Verified container weight is to be provided to the vessel operator for use in confirming and finalizing vessel stowage plans.

“Weighing containers to confirm their actual weight is the right operational and safety practice. There is substantial experience with such a requirement in the United States demonstrating that this is feasible on a technological and commercial basis. It is time to make this a global safety practice and our association will assist its members in cooperating with terminal operators to develop a suitable and effective process,” said Dr. Geraldine Knatz, president of IAPH and executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Several countries already have regulations that require the weighing of every loaded container destined for export, demonstrating that the requirement proven in practice. As a terminal operator, you may want to take proactive efforts to research options to meet this potential new requirement.  Additional information can be found through the paper, “Solving the Problem of Overweigh Containers,” the World Shipping Council; and the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) publication, “Lashing at Sea.”

“WSC, ICS, BIMCO and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have noted that governments around the world continue to focus on obtaining more complete knowledge of what is actually in cargo containers arriving in their countries, and that Customs authorities would welcome having accurate cargo weights as they screen import cargoes. This is another example of industry cooperation and initiative that will increase governments’ confidence in maritime commerce,” commented Dr. Knatz.

Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 858 571 4444

Email:  allen@aps-technology.com

APS Technology Recognized for Environmental Impact as Finalist in Supply Chain Distinction Awards

APS shortlisted for “Green Supply Chain” category from the World Trade Group Supply Chain Distinction Award

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal container terminals, announced it has been named a finalist for the World Trade Group 2011 Supply Chain Distinction Award in the “Green Supply Chain” category. APS is being recognized for demonstrating unparalleled performance in environmental supply chain planning and execution.

APS’ OCR solutions for container terminals have proven to significantly reduce emissions from idling trucks by automating processes and increasing throughput. In one study, truck processing time was cut in half, which resulted in a 48% reduction in emissions from truck idling.  This example was studied and verified by AECOM.

• CO₂ emissions from truck idling were reduced by 53%
• NO_x were reduced by 50%
• PM was reduced by 51%

Truck entries and exits are streamlined with the APS gate solution, and the need for a truck to stop and have human intervention is eliminated. The gate is transformed into a free flowing process. In addition to the emissions reduction, there is significant fuel savings, personnel are removed from dangerous areas and data is more accurate.

The World Trade Group organizes the Supply Chain Distinction Awards, and the competition recognizes outstanding achievement in supply chain excellence. The winners will be announced on December 6^th at the Supply Chain Distinction Awards North America ceremony, which is held in conjunction with the Supply Chain & Logistics North American 2011 global conference in Dallas, TX, December 5-7, 2011. To learn more, visit http://supplychainawardsna.com/.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 43 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, DP World and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

Click here for more information on the entire forum.

Click here to view the whole article.

APS’s quay crane OCR system is sold through the Star Technology Alliance as Navis Marine Telematics Automated Vessel Load and Discharge. Navis will integrate the APS products with the terminal’s TOS, which is SPARCS 3.7.

“We chose the Navis Star Technology Alliance solution because it provides a proven, fully-tested, fully-integrated solution, allowing us to seamlessly increase efficiencies and in turn deliver a significant return on our investment,” said Washington Flores, terminal manager at Santos Brasil. According to Navis, the systems will provide a projected US$1.5M annual return on investment.

View the article here .

News Releas:  October 20, 2011

Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 858 571 4444

Email:  allen@aps-technology.com

Port of Houston Authority Expands Gate Automation with APS Technology

Gate OCR installation in 2010 enabled PHA to process trucks twice as fast and reduced truck idling time by 48%

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal container terminals, announced the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) will implement the APS Gate OCR Portal to automate equipment identification, traffic processing and damage inspection imaging at the newly constructed entry gate complex of its Bayport container terminal in Houston.  One of the largest ports in the world, The Port of Houston handles 69.6 percent of the containerized cargo market in the U.S. Gulf, and 95.5 percent of the containers moved through Texas seaports. 

Expanding on the six existing lanes of Gate OCR installed at Bayport in 2010, PHA will add six additional portals to process entering trucks.  The system automatically identifies containers, chassis, and license plates associated with the equipment.  The APS Gate OCR solution will be integrated with the Navis N4 gate system to enable the automatic gate processing functions without human interaction.  Since implementing APS at the six existing lanes in 2010, PHA has transformed the gate into a free-flowing process – processing takes about half the time it did prior to gate automation. No queuing led to a 48% reduction in truck idling, dramatically reducing emissions.

PHA faces a special challenge in that a high percentage of the trailers that carry containers through the terminal are not marked with an ISO standard stencil. APS will provide 2D optical tags for identification and its patented MatchMaker™ tractor identification solution to automatically associate containers to the trailer or other container transport vehicles.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with The Port of Houston as they continue to modernize their operations,” said Allen Thomas, APS Technology COO.  “This is just another example of The Port of Houston Authority’s progressive leadership in embracing programs that improve productivity and efficiency while also lowering the environmental impact on the local community.”

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 43 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, DP World and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

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