As the container terminal operator at Sohar Port in Oman, Hutchison Ports has taken the next bold step towards modernisation and full automation, with the launch of its new auto gate system at Terminal C.

The opening will enable Hutchison Ports to modernise and fully automate its Sohar Port terminal, which features remote-controlled quayside cranes that are capable of handling next-generation 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels.

The auto gate system utilises a combination of smart technologies, allowing truck drivers to pass through the container terminal gates with no paper documentation and no delays. Drivers can remain inside their vehicles at all times during security checks, inspections and container movements.

The new system includes machine-readable cards to store driver information; character-recognition cameras to read truck plate numbers; self-service kiosks for inputting shipping codes; and RFID tags to further improve terminal security.

Hutchison Ports Sohar CEO Albert Pang said: “Auto Gate promises to make container shipments at Hutchison Ports Sohar even faster and more secure, strengthening the Port’s already excellent reputation as the new Gateway to the Gulf.

Officials inaugurating the new auto gate system at Sohar Terminal C in Oman

 “We recently introduced an automated truck appointment system in Sohar; the introduction of Auto Gate will continue to reduce our already fast turnaround times for shippers and trucking companies alike.”

The Sohar Port has also started receiving services from the newly launched Ocean Alliance, which includes CMA CGM, China Cosco Shipping, Evergreen Line, and Orient Overseas Container Line among its members.

The Ocean Alliance offers forty services on east-west trades with 498 port calls. Weekly calls from such major maritime players demonstrate how Hutchison Ports Sohar is playing an increasingly important role in attracting new container cargo volumes to the Sultanate – in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017 container throughput at Sohar was up again by 6 per cent compared to Q1 last year.

Sohar Port CEO Mark Geilenkirchen said: “Investments in technology to optimise and modernise terminal operations, increase turnaround speed for our customers, and time is money in logistics.

“These are savings that can be passed down right along the supply chain to make Oman even more competitive as a significant regional hub.

“As we become more attractive to international logistics companies, investors and traders, the new Auto Gates will help to open up a new world of opportunities for Oman.”

Sohar Port and Freezone is a deep sea port and free zone in the Middle East, situated in the Sultanate of Oman midway between Dubai and Muscat.

Hutchison Ports Sohar is a joint venture between Hutchison Ports, the government of the Sultanate of Oman, C Steinweg of the Netherlands, and a number of well-established Omani investors.