Port & Logistics Automation Solutions

Smart port automation: crane control systems, yard management, and digital twin solutions for container terminals and bulk cargo ports.

Transforming Global Port Operations

Ports worldwide are undergoing a fundamental transformation from traditional manual operations to fully automated terminals. SENTRADO provides comprehensive port automation solutions based on SIMOCRANE technology, covering every aspect of modern terminal operations.

Our solutions span container terminals, bulk cargo ports, and inland river ports — delivering crane control systems, yard management, and operational optimization that drive productivity, safety, and efficiency across your entire port operation.

5
Excellence Phases
SIMOCRANE
Core Platform
30%
Efficiency Gain

Port Excellence in 5 Phases

  • 1Planning & Design — Design and simulate ground logistics & automation systems
  • 2Design & Engineering — Digitally design, simulate, and optimize cranes
  • 3Commissioning — Automated system functional commissioning and go-live
  • 4Operations — SIMOCRANE production operations and optimization
  • 5Service — Full lifecycle service and support

Core Solutions

End-to-end automation solutions for every type of port crane and terminal operation.

STS Crane Automation

Ship-to-shore crane automation with intelligent container handling, anti-sway control, and operational efficiency optimization.

Automatic container alignment
Anti-sway control system
Automatic landing precision
Cycle time optimization

ARMG/ASC Automation

Automated rail-mounted gantry crane control with automatic stacking, container tracking, and remote operation capabilities.

Automatic stacking control
Remote operation console
Container position tracking
Multi-crane coordination

RTG Automation Retrofit

Transform traditional rubber-tyred gantry cranes with automation upgrades, diesel-to-electric conversion, and remote control capability.

Diesel-to-electric conversion
Automated steering & alignment
Remote control operation
SINAMICS drive upgrade

Yard Management System

Intelligent container task scheduling, yard space optimization, and seamless TOS integration for maximum terminal throughput.

Container task scheduling
Yard space optimization
TOS interface integration
Virtual container task execution

Digital Twin

Full port digital twin with all elements replicated in virtual environment for simulation, optimization, and virtual commissioning.

Virtual commissioning
Layout optimization
Operator training simulator
Predictive maintenance

Bulk Cargo Automation

Automated ship loading/unloading, conveyor belt control, and stacker-reclaimer automation for bulk cargo port operations.

Ship loader/unloader control
Conveyor belt automation
Stacker-reclaimer control
Material flow optimization

SIMOCRANE Platform

The complete crane automation product suite covering design, simulation, commissioning, and operations.

Port Planning & Design

Optimize container workflows from the planning stage. Our virtual container task execution system integrates with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) to simulate and validate operational efficiency before construction begins.

Workflow SimulationTOS IntegrationLayout Optimization

Crane Design & Engineering

Digital design of mechanical and electrical systems with sensor placement verification. Match automation solutions to user requirements in a digital environment before physical implementation.

Mechanical DesignElectrical DesignSensor Validation

Digital Twin Matching

Match automation solutions to user requirements in a comprehensive digital twin environment. Validate crane behavior, test edge cases, and optimize performance parameters before deployment.

Digital TwinVirtual CommissioningPerformance Tuning

Complete Product Range

SIMOCRANE offers a full suite of crane automation products for all port crane types. From single crane control to multi-crane yard management, our integrated platform delivers seamless automation.

SIMOCRANE SuiteAll Crane TypesIntegrated Platform

Technical Specifications

Industry-leading technology platform for port automation systems.

Crane Control

Complete crane automation and control system platform for all port crane types.

SIMOCRANEAnti-SwayAuto-Landing

PLC Platform

High-reliability PLC systems for main crane control with redundant options for critical applications.

S7-1500S7-400HRedundant CPU

Drive Systems

Precision drive systems for crane motion control with regenerative energy capability.

SINAMICS S120Vector ControlRegenerative

Positioning System

Multi-sensor fusion positioning for millimeter-level crane positioning accuracy.

LaserEncoderGPS Fusion

Communication

Industrial-grade communication networks for reliable real-time data exchange across all systems.

PROFINETIndustrial WiFi

Safety

Comprehensive safety systems with SIL certification for crane and personnel protection.

SIL2SIL3IEC 61508

Project Highlights

Proven track record in port automation across the globe.

Container Terminal

Tangier Port, Morocco — APMT

Automated rail-mounted gantry crane yard management system with virtual simulation. Delivered complete yard automation solution including SIMOCRANE control, automated stacking, and TOS integration for the APMT terminal.

ARMGYMSVirtual Simulation
Digital Twin

Patrick Terminals, Australia

STS crane digital twin project for one of Australia's leading container terminal operators. Created a complete virtual replica of the ship-to-shore crane for virtual commissioning, operator training, and performance optimization.

STS CraneDigital TwinVirtual Commissioning
Full Automation

Domestic Container Terminal

Complete terminal automation transformation project including STS crane remote operation and ARMG full automation. Delivered integrated control system covering quayside and yard operations with centralized remote control center.

STS RemoteARMG AutoCentral Control

Why Choose SENTRADO for Port Automation

Trusted by leading port operators worldwide for crane automation and terminal optimization.

SIMOCRANE Platform

Complete crane automation solution covering design, commissioning, operation, and lifecycle service.

Digital Twin First

Validate and optimize every automation solution in virtual environment before physical deployment.

Retrofit Expertise

Transform existing manual cranes to automated operation with minimal downtime and maximum ROI.

SIL2/SIL3 Safety

All systems comply with IEC 61508 functional safety standards with redundant safety architectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our port automation solutions.

Can you provide fully automated terminal solutions?
Yes, SENTRADO delivers end-to-end fully automated container terminal solutions based on SIMOCRANE technology. Our scope covers STS crane automation, automated rail-mounted gantry (ARMG) yard systems, automated guided vehicle integration, yard management systems, and complete terminal operating system integration. We support both greenfield automated terminal projects and phased automation upgrades for existing terminals.
Can existing cranes be retrofitted with automation?
Absolutely. We specialize in crane automation retrofit projects, converting manually operated STS, RTG, and RMG cranes to semi-auto or fully automatic operation. Our retrofit scope includes installing SIMOCRANE control systems, adding anti-sway and auto-landing systems, integrating precision positioning sensors, implementing remote control stations, and upgrading drive systems with SINAMICS S120 — all while minimizing terminal downtime during installation.
How does digital twin technology benefit ports?
Our port digital twin solutions create a complete virtual replica of your terminal operations. Benefits include: virtual commissioning of automation systems before physical installation, operator training in a risk-free simulated environment, predictive maintenance through real-time equipment monitoring, layout and workflow optimization via simulation, and what-if scenario analysis for capacity planning. Our digital twin has been proven to reduce commissioning time by up to 30% and improve operational efficiency by 15-20%.
What safety standards do your port systems meet?
All SENTRADO port automation systems comply with international safety standards including IEC 61508 functional safety (SIL2/SIL3), IEC 62061 machinery safety, and maritime industry standards. Our safety systems include redundant safety PLCs, emergency stop systems, anti-collision protection, overload protection, wind speed monitoring with automatic crane parking, and comprehensive safety-rated monitoring for all crane motions.
What is the typical project implementation timeline?
Project timelines vary by scope: a single crane automation retrofit typically takes 3-4 months including design, installation, and commissioning. A complete yard automation project (multiple ARMG/ASC cranes) typically takes 6-12 months. A full terminal automation project from design to operation typically spans 12-24 months. We follow a 5-phase approach: planning & design, engineering & simulation, functional commissioning, operational handover with SIMOCRANE, and ongoing lifecycle service.

Discuss Your Port Automation Project

Whether you're planning a new automated terminal or upgrading existing crane systems, our engineering team is ready to help. Get a customized solution proposal for your port project.