Automizing the manual link in maritime supply chains? An analysis of twistlock handling automation in container terminals

Abstract

The study at hand elaborates on potential barriers, prerequisites and optimization potentials for the automation of the twistlock handling process in container terminals. A case analysis enlightens latest automation developments of this essential task in container transport. Eight experts from different organizations in maritime logistics and seaport operations were interviewed in a qualitative multiple-case research design. The interviews were evaluated by qualitative-quantitative content analysis with MAXQDA software.

Automated twistlock handling systems are hardly implemented, although they represent the missing link between other container handling technology in the automated container transport. The study reveals that most implementation barriers consist of technological issues, followed by economic and strategic barriers. The study identifies implementation strategies and their key success and shows that safety improvements and cost reductions are major benefits of this automation. An innovation framework for this field of automation is conceptualized as scientific contribution. Practical implications include recommendations for relevant stakeholders in container logistics.