BOXBAY set to revolutionize global supply chains

• Intelligent container stacking system “BOXBAY” set to revolutionize global supply chains
• A new container terminal operating mode takes shape will full automation powered by solar panels
• First container High Bay Store “BOXBAY” constructed at Jebel Ali Port
• Pilot phase expected operation to begin test before September 2020

BOXBAY is a joint venture by DP World, the Dubai-based provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics and the German industrial engineering specialist SMS group GmbH. BOXBAY has completed assembly of the world’s first container High Bay Store system (HBS) at Jebel Ali Port. Real life test operations are due to start before September. The technology that is set to dramatically change the way containers are handled in ports with smart innovation.

The patented High Bay Store BOXBAY is an automated container handling system that stacks containers up to eleven stories high. It delivers more than three times the capacity of a conventional yard with enhanced performance, so the footprint of terminals can be reduced by up to 70 percent and enables any container to be accessed individually without moving any other. Traditionally containers are stacked one on top of the other, which means many containers have to be moved to access containers lower down in the stacks.

This week the final mayor component of the system, a truck crane, was assembled on site. The automated truck crane is used to lift containers on and off external trucks. Containers for the landside operations move in and out of BOXBAY on underground conveyor belts before being lifted to their slot in the rack by stacker cranes.

The HBS proof of concept provides 792 container slots. A full industrial HBS yard behind the two under construction berths of Jebel Ali Terminal 4 would be able to handle more than three million containers per year. The stacker cranes and truck handling cranes will be operated in full automation. The shuttle carrier will start testing with a driver at first during the pilot operation phase.

BOXBAY is designed to be fully electrified and will be the only container yard that can be powered by solar panels on its roof.

Commenting on this important step forward, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “This is a major milestone delivered in our exploration of new and innovative technologies that add value for our operations and customers. In these challenging times, we are bringing container high bay stores to the world’s supply chains, demonstrating our strengths as a global provider of smart logistics solutions.

Speed, efficiency and digital fitness are key aspects of the port and terminal business, we intend to deliver “life inventory” to our importers and we are confident BOXBAY will play a significant role revolutionizing container storage in the years ahead”.

Mathias Dobner Chairman and CEO of BOXBAY said: “We are proud to be able to transfer this disruptive technology into operation very soon. With BOXBAY more capacity can be managed faster on the same footprint. In addition, this technology with its CO2-neutral operation is trend-settingˮ.

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About DP World
We are the leading provider of smart logistics solutions, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.

We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 123 business units in 54 countries across seven continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work. Our dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 56,500 employees from 134 countries are committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focusing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership.

We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading technology to create the smartest, most efficient and innovative trade solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.

BOXBAY is an international joint-venture formed by global trade enabler DP World and industrial engineering specialists SMS group and is offering different solutions for container storing and handling by means of High Bay Storage (HBS) systems - a disruptive technology that significantly improves operations at container terminals. BOXBAY gives the answer to the growing volume of goods traffic in sea ports and presents an opportunity to significantly increase supply chain decarbonization. A BOXBAY High Bay Storage system offers an eco-friendly solution and sets new standards in storage capacity, performance, and the digitalization of ports.