Navis, a part of Cargotec Corporation, together with Microsoft China, terminal equipment manufacturer ZPMC, and global infrastructure advisory firm Moffatt & Nichol, announced the formation of a joint taskforce to explore opportunities and turnkey automation solutions.

Bringing together industry-leading software, equipment and services, the non-exclusive team aims to deliver a single, integrated solution to initiate future terminal automation projects, as well as optimize and/or automate existing terminal infrastructures and systems, providing faster pathways to improved productivity, safety and sustainability as a result.

With the global automated container terminal market expected to grow 25 percent by 2021 (according to research from Technavio), there is a significant need to support terminals as they work to achieve excellence in various phases of automation. The exploratory taskforce provides best-of-breed elements to a solution which would comprehensively address the industry’s most complex automation readiness and optimization problems cost effectively, and with minimal risk. Customers could benefit from the collaboration.

Navis: With the world’s leading market share of terminal operating solutions, customers have access to a range of Navis solutions and services, including the N4 terminal system and the XVELA cloud-based collaboration platform for terminal operators and ocean carriers.

“Our experience tells us that the collective industry as a whole still faces challenges ahead in order to achieve the full potential offered by automation,” said Mark Welles, VP and General Manager, Asia Pacific, of Navis.

ZPMC: Serving as the general integrator, ZPMC provides turnkey solutions that span planning, simulation, equipment, logistics, warehousing, software, system commissioning, operation and maintenance.

Microsoft: With the world leading technology in cloud computing, IoT, AI and big data, leveraging Navis and Moffatt & Nichol’s solutions and services, Microsoft China is helping ZPMC provide intelligent solutions for port customers, and facilitating ZPMC’s strategic transformation into a provider of digital port services.

“Enterprises around the world, across various industries, especially traditional industries like manufacturing and shipping, are facing both opportunities and challenges brought by digital transformation that are powered by technological advancements in IoT, big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence,” said Yen Tseng, General Manager of Microsoft China Enterprise & Partner Group in Greater China Region. “As a leading technology provider, Microsoft is cooperating with leading partners in bringing the best-in-class technologies, platforms and services to further accelerate customers’ digital transformation.”

Moffatt & Nichol: With more than 650 employees in 36 offices in 7 countries, Moffatt & Nichol is a global infrastructure advisory firm, offering services that include automated container terminal planning and simulation. As a member of the joint exploratory team, the company will provide strategic, integrated planning and design solutions for customers.

“Moffatt & Nichol looks forward to providing clients with all of the key pieces to successfully deliver a state-of-the-art automated container terminal,” said Ashebir Jacob, Vice President, Moffatt & Nichol. “With Navis, ZPMC, and Microsoft, we bring together automated terminal solutions as leaders in the industry.”