APM Terminals Virginia has officially opened its new US$450 million, 291-acre container terminal near Hampton Roads.

The terminal is capable of handling one million TEU annually and has the potential to expand to handle more than two million TEU.

Twelve inbound and 12 outbound high-efficiency gates have also been installed at the terminal to limit idling time, thereby reducing truck emissions and speeding up cargo movements. Optical scanners and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers prompt more efficient truck entry and exit, directing trucks to the proper loading area, or if needed, a separate area dedicated to resolving problems. In addition, overhead electronic screens and a new on-line reservation system will also help speed the flow of both trucks and cargo movements at the terminal.

The terminal's all-electric crane inventory includes six super post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes, 30 semi-automated rail-mounted gantry yard cranes (RMGs), and two rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) with electric spreader bars. Twenty shuttle trucks transport cargo from the dock to the stack area. Fewer diesel engines and use of on-road engines in 62 off-road terminal vehicles contribute to significantly reduced levels of particulate matter and nitrous oxide emissions. In addition, electric spreader bars help to eliminate hydraulic spills.

The on-dock rail links are intended to cut down the number of trucks on local highways and surrounding residential areas. Two RTGs will move containers from the rail cars, running on six tracks of on-dock rail.

"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when private and public interests work together to achieve a new standard of excellence," said Eric Sisco, president, APM Terminals North America.

The yard area features weight-sensitive booths and remotely controlled cranes. To ensure safety, drivers are required to exit their cabs and stand inside a booth before yard cranes can load their chassis. Remote control of cranes from an operations control centre in the facility's main building is intended to minimise exposure to potential safety hazards.

As part of an overall focus on security, a new identity-credentialing system limits access to high-risk or sensitive areas, allowing entry only to certified workers.