A fleet of 20 terminal tractors has been fitted with an advanced multi-camera system to mitigate risk and improve safety at Rosslare Europort, the primary Irish port serving mainland Europe. Port operator, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, has teamed up with Camera Telematics to develop and roll-out the camera solution as part of a major IT project to create an integrated smart port system.
“Following a comprehensive assessment to identify and better understand hazards associated with the port operation and on-site freight movements, we took the decision to adopt camera technology,” explains Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail. “Camera Telematics was identified as the ideal service provider to deliver a sophisticated technology solution that enhances safety, reduces the risk of collisions and protects everyone working at the port.”
Camera Telematics was selected as Iarnród Eireann Irish Rail’s preferred technology partner, based on the company’s technical capabilities and proven experience installing multi-camera systems for fleets operating at seaports, airports and other logistics facilities. Rosslare Europort’s fleet of terminal tractors is used to load and unload both ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) and con-ro (a hybrid of a ro-ro and a container ship) units between vessels and storage terminal, handling 200,000 freight units annually.
The multi-camera system uses a 5-channel mobile digital video recorder (MDVR) to provide a four-camera solution that covers the front, off-side and near-side of the terminal tractor, along with a wireless magnetic device that can be located at the rear of the trailer. The near-side camera is fitted lower, over the wheel arch, to provide added visibility underneath the trailer and the trailer leg, with footage available to the driver in real-time via an in-cab monitor.
A charging cradle has also been fitted in the terminal tractor for the wireless magnetic camera. When the device is removed from the cradle, it starts recording and displays a live view on a second monitor located in the cab. All footage from each camera is automatically uploaded to Camera Telematics’ web-based Advanced Reporting and Viewing Software, so members of the Health & Safety and Operations teams can quickly access video and supporting data of any incident.
The technology solution is already helping the team of drivers to conduct their daily duties more safely by increasing their overall view around the terminal tractor and trailer. This improved visibility provides added protection and peace of mind to a wide range of people at the port, especially banksmen who work in close proximity to the terminal tractors. Meanwhile, the ability to download incident footage and supporting data is enabling Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to undertake an investigation promptly and identify contributing factors.
By understanding exactly what has occurred, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is now able to target continuous improvement of control measures and operating procedures, while having the means to confirm liability and keep any claims costs to a minimum. With extensive construction work taking place at the port, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is also using the system to monitor traffic flows on-site and adjust freight movements based on real-world understanding of risk.
Mark Stamper, Director of Camera Telematics said: “We are a leading provider of camera solutions to seaports and airports, by helping organisations such as Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to enhance safety, reduce risk, cut costs, boost productivity and support duty of care. Our partner approach means we work closely with customers to meet their current and future technology requirements. As such, we are already working closely with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to look at ways of expanding the camera solution and explore new applications.”
