PSA Singapore and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR’s) Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) have signed a research collaboration agreement to jointly develop a large-scale fleet management solution (FMS) for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at Tuas Port. With a planned annual handling capacity of 65M TEU on completion, Tuas will have the world’s largest fleet of AGVs in a container terminal application.

While PSA is calling the system a “fleet management solution”, it should not be confused with a telematics-type FMS system that monitors the location and operating parameters of equipment.

In 2014 Kalmar completed a project to supply PSA with an on-board navigation system with remote diagnostics for any brand of AGV. The software controls the AGVs, but does not select routes or allocate tasks. Then in 2019 Kalmar signed a five-year deal to provide software maintenance and support for PSA’s AGV fleet, including the “Kalmar Fleet Management System”. At the time Kalmar noted that the AGV fleet was expected to grow to over 400 machines for the first phase at Tuas.

This new agreement covers software for managing and coordinating a large fleet of AGVs. The announcement said: “To meet the demands of a larger AGV fleet, PSA requires an intelligent, advanced fleet management system that is responsive and can handle the computational load. This new fleet management solution for AGV operations is also expected to achieve significant cost savings through the reduction of infrastructure and operational costs. PSA and A*STAR’s IHPC will co-develop advanced automation and digitalisation solutions that can address these needs.

“IHPC will contribute its expertise in advanced high performance computing technologies and algorithms to develop accelerated solutions for large-scale fleet management of AGVs. PSA will contribute its expertise in the design of algorithms, provide a simulation platform to conduct the proof of concept, as well as furnish its wealth of experience and domain knowledge in the development and operation of the existing AGV fleet management system.

“The research collaboration also includes the development of innovative techniques that will allow a scalable design with multiple AGVs coordinating seamlessly and at the same time, ensuring operational safety. Upon successful development, PSA will look to apply the smart solutions to future enhanced fleet management systems as operations in Tuas Port gradually scale up, while the addition of new technologies such as 5G will further enhance computation performance”.

“PSA Singapore is pleased to partner IHPC in co-creating innovative and robust solutions to manage our large fleet of smart and green AGVs. We look forward to leveraging the diversity of ideas and thought to drive technological innovations which will enhance our operational agility and scalability. This collaboration will bring us closer to our vision of developing an intelligent, resilient and sustainable port of the future,” said Mr Ong Kim Pong, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International.

“A*STAR is excited to collaborate with PSA to co-develop smart solutions for Singapore’s Next Generation Port by enhancing the scalability and efficiency of terminal operations. This partnership demonstrates A*STAR’s contribution to the maritime industry by applying our research capabilities in high performance computing, and modelling and simulation to create intelligent and scalable technological solutions,” said Dr Lim Keng Hui, Executive Director, A*STAR’s IHPC.

Mr Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry) of MPA said, “The development of large-scale AGV fleet management solution is a step towards realising MPA’s vision to build a smart, next-generation port that increases productivity, while improving safety and security. MPA is pleased to support this initiative which is funded under the Maritime Transformation Programme (MTP). One of the key vehicles under the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map, MTP co-funds projects to develop new capabilities or technologies that have high potential for industry application.”