MGPS (Marseilles-Fos)
Marseilles-Fos Steams Ahead with Psion Wireless Technologies
MGPS provides technology intelligence and information system development to INTRAMAR and EUROFOS – two freight handling companies working on the Ports of Marseilles and Fos sur Mer managed by the Porte Autonome de Marseille (PAM). Major plans to extend the container capacities of the port facilities were in the works, and INTRAMAR and EUROFOS required a solution that would measure up.
“I believe that this innovative remote-monitoring system will allow our facilities to conform to international security standards, it will also improve our logistics process. Now, if a carrier is handled without any instruction being given, we could automatically start filming the event, either with one camera or the entire network as required, using its GPS coordinates,” – Christian Taormina, Organization and Information Systems Manager of MGM (INTRAMAR and EUROFOS) and Managing Director of MGPS
The Challenge:
- A solution was required to improve wharf throughput, decrease human error, and avoid idling of empty straddle carriers
- Real-time container traceability, operational reliability and security, compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and better on-board straddle carrier intelligence were necessities.
The Solution:
- A combination of Narrowband and Broadband technology and Differential GPS (DGPS) was implemented
- Psion rugged vehicle mount computers mounted to straddle carriers communicate with central management system by Narrowband technology
- Operators can access real-time information on paths and positions in relation to the target containers located by DGPS
- Broadband technology (802.11b/g) provided increased computing capacity and autonomy on board each straddle-carrier
- Images can be added to data packets via a network of stationary and vehicle mount cameras, which enables greater security and reliability
The Benefits:
- Improved container/slot identification and tracking
- Access to real-time location and tracking information
- Reduced downtime and human error
- Increased operating and decision-making autonomy on board straddle carriers
- Improved reliability and conformance to security standards
