b'34American Journal ofTransportation ajot.comPorts adopt technology to improvePORT EQUIPMENT & efficiency and sustainability TECHNOLOGY 2026Many of the challenges to ports are not new. Congestion and delays have dogged port efficiency for decades. Now new tech-nologieshavecometotheforeandportsareimplementing them at an astounding pace, improving nearly every aspect of port management.By Debra Phillips, AJOTFor years, ports have faced similarprocesses, reducing turnaround times. challenges, including congestion andAutomationalsominimizeshuman delays due to increased shipping vol- error, leading to increased safety and umes, inefficient cargo handling pro- reliability,andoptimizesresource cesses that lead to longer turnaroundallocation,improvingoveralleffi-times, and labor shortages. In 2026,ciency. Autonomous vehicles capture ports are addressing these issues in adata in real-time, enabling port oper-new way by leveraging cutting-edgeations leaders to make more informed technologies.ArtificialIntelligencedecisions.Automationalsoreduces (AI), automation, and predictive ana- labor costs by automating repetitive, lytics are some of the tools that portslow-value tasks.are adopting to increase throughput, drive efficiency, and improve safety,b ArrierSt OA utOMAtiOnA dOptiOnwhile also reducing emissions. Whilemanyportsrecognizethe potential value of automation, adoption e quipMentM AnuFActurerSd eSign (ADOPTcontinued on page 36) PNCT orders 20 hybrid Konecranes Noell straddle carriers.v eHicleS FOrM AxiMuMu tilizAtiOnEquipmentmanufacturers,like Konecranes, play a key role in help- B R A T IingportsachievetheseandotherL E N Ggoals. A global leader in material han- Edling solutions, Konecranes providesCawiderangeofforklifts,shipyard cranes,andportservices,including simulationandemulationtoolsto20-202019supportdigitaltwinning.Thecom- OpanyhasconsistentlyenhanceditsF SE ICEproducts,includingtheKonecranesRVE-VERelectricforklift,whichcan now lift 18 to 25 tons. SUCCESS STARTS WITH A WINNING TEAM!Withthisincreasedcapacity, ourforkliftshavegreaterversatility forapplicationsinheavyindustriesSince our establishment in 1920, we haveWE OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS:such as steel, mining, and ports, saysbeen providing our global customers a Patrik Lundbck VP, Sales & Distri- premier level of service through superior On-site Storage and Multi-modal bution, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.handling and performance, technologicalDistribution ServicesThe most recent addition to its liftadvancements, and a perpetual eyeCustomer Access to 24 hour Inventory Tracking truck portfolio is its new electric reachon customer satisfaction. Also, we offer one Standard Berths and Ro-Ro Ramps are available stacker. The product was engineeredof the most cost effective and reliable labor Specially engineered Lifting Gearformaximumcapacity,offeringupforces in the North Atlantic. to 16 hours of operation. The electric Container Transloading from / to Rail or Truck reach stacker can be fully charged inWe have the ability to accommodate a On-site service provided by 2 Class I one to three hours. The electric reachvariety of automobile, breakbulk, bulk,Rail Carriersstacker is designed for higher liftingcontainer and forest products. Our Efficient Distribution to Two Thirds of thecapabilitiesandcanaccommodatedistinction, is based on our ability to closelyUnited States and Canadian populations within three container handling rows. coordinate your Stevedoring, Warehousing48 - 72 Hours Ourelectricreachstackerfea- and Distribution Logistics. turesleadingelectricpowertrain technologyandintelligentcontrol systems.Withload-sensinghydrau-lics,fastercharging,andthesafest and most spacious cabin in the indus-try, it combines an optimized driving experience with advanced safety fea-tures, ensuring productivity for vari-ousindustries,saidJeffreyStokes,FOR MORE INFORMATION DirectorProduct& Technologyand Quality & Customer Satisfaction, LiftCONTACT US AT:Trucks, Konecranes.JH STEVEDORING, INC. A utOnOMOuSO perAtiOnSi ncreASing 2147 South Columbus Blvd. WhilefullautomationofdockPhiladelphia, PA 19148TEL: 215-218-3060operations remains limited, all of theFAX: 215-218-3078top 10 US container ports use someWEB: www.jhstevedoring.comformofautomation.Electric,auto-mated, or remote -controlled vehiclesPENN WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION, INC. andcranesareincreasinglybeing2147 South Columbus Blvd. adopted for stacking and transportingPhiladelphia, PA 19148containers. TEL: 215-218-3000ThePortofLongBeach,Cali- FAX: 215-218-3043fornia uses AI to fully manage cargoWEB: www.pennwarehousing.commovementwithnohumaninput, usingover100autonomouselectric vehiclesthatproducenoemissions. AI is also used to manage the traffic flow and route efficiency at the port. There are many benefits to using auto-mation. It streamlines cargo handling'