New Jersey AI and digital transformation company Avlino has implemented its YardSight optimisation application at the Manila International Cargo Terminal (MICT).

The terminal is operated by the port management company International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI).

Developed in partnership with Igo, a UK provider of container terminal technology, YardSight leverages machine learning, data science and engineering to create a digital twin based on current, real-time states within the yard, gate and berth.

The application takes a different approach to traditional software-as-a-service models in that it enhances pre-defined rules-based configurations. The application introduces operational, transactional, equipment and enriched data that feed self-learning models which dynamically adapt to the changing circumstances in terminal operations. In addition, YardSight integrates with the terminal operating system (TOS) and varying operating configurations including fully automated terminals.

“Real-time planning that responds to volatile conditions is a game changer in terminal operations,” said Ramana Jampala, founding CEO of Avlino. “YardSight users will find that they are equipped to tackle the challenges of constriction, congestion and high rehandle counts. The application manages the entire yard operation by optimising TOS and enhancing resources through advanced ML and AI.”

Igo, having expertise in automated container terminal operations, emphasised the benefits of AI adoption.

“When we started to recommend autonomous operations to our clients three years ago, we realised a significant gap in the AI landscape,” said Jayesh Pandya, co-founder of Igo. “Avlino’s technology filled that gap perfectly. Very few container terminals have taken a holistic approach to adopting AI, and ICTSI pioneered this journey. Igo and Avlino partnered to deliver solutions with a potential to realise high RoI for ICTSI.”

Jampala added: “The partnership with ICTSI has been instrumental in shaping YardSight. The application incorporates directly into existing business process where AI controls workflows to tighten operational expenses while increasing profit margins. It is truly a win-win scenario.”

And Anders Dommestrup, MICT CEO, said: “The YardSight AI module, in its current release, provides logic for the most efficient stacking positions based on optimal work balancing of our rubber-tyred gantries. This results in increased productivity for internal and external trucks, reduced traffic clashes and minimised yard rehandles when stacking import containers. The AiCon suite has ushered a real paradigm shift in how we can better manage end-to-end container terminal operations. We are already seeing very encouraging signs that this new approach can deliver significant efficiencies to equipment utilisation and truck turn time, which will be passed on to our customers to further support ICTSI’s conscious effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.”