APS Technology Group, Inc., a provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced the award of a multi-phased automation project for Ports America Chesapeake Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore, MD. The APS solutions will automate critical functions in conjunction with the out-gate, in-gate and STS crane operations to improve efficiency, safety and reduce operating costs.

Ports America chose APS to automate the container identification process at its entry and exit gates and vessel operations with the collection of high-resolution images to increase throughput and enable remote equipment inspections. Images will be archived for later retrieval. The implementation of APS solutions is part of a larger initiative for Ports America Chesapeake to optimize operational efficiency and improve customer service. Recent projects include an off-dock chassis facility, berth expansion and purchase of four new STS cranes.

APS has existing OCR solutions with Ports America, and the company chose to expand its APS solution with the addition a new lane with OCR at the outgate, adding OCR to eight lanes at its entry gates and outfitting both with damage inspection components. APS will supply the X-Clerk Gate Operating System to enable remote clerks to review damage inspection images captured at the portals.

The Vessel Automation Systems include STS Crane OCR, patented MatchMaker STS Tractor ID system and SureStow solutions on each of the eleven STS cranes to automatically identify the container being loaded/discharged, the associated yard tractor as well as the final vessel stowage position of the container move. The APS X-Clerk Exception Handling System will enable remote resolution of OCR misreads, stowage exceptions and MatchMaker errors. All solutions will be fully integrated with Navis Sparcs and Navis Express.