OPCSA uses simulation expertise of TBA Group for brownfield terminal optimisation

Forecasting for investment

A study, conducted by TBA Group for Operaciones Portuarias Canarias S.A. (OPCSA) terminal, revealed that tripling quay capacity can be easily achieved without the need for investment in quay expansion or dredging of their existing facility. This preliminary study entailed reviewing the current terminal capacity, exploring possible expansion plans and the impact of implementing of alternative handling technology at OPCSA. 

In need to adequately respond to possible future capacity limits, OPCSA in the port of Las Palmas - part of the TIL Group terminals - required the simulation expertise of TBA to identify and forecast possible scenarios to support investment in specific areas. The terminal currently handles a volume of 0.8M TEU, but TBA’s advanced berth simulation analysis revealed that the volume could be increased by at least 3 times without the need for investment through installation of additional QCs.

“For a brownfield terminal it can be daunting exercise to forecast the future volume or capacity limits. We guided OPCSA by providing a concise overview of evidence-based available options within their terminal constraints.”

Zack Lu, Project Manager at TBA Group

Another astounding outcome of this initial study is, that the current yard capacity of this brownfield terminal - with their current RTG system and operational conditions - is limited to 1.0M TEU. Hence, if volume further grows beyond the yard capacity, expansion and an alternative handling system must be considered in order to facilitate the growth.

"The dynamic nature of container logistics poses quite a challenge for existing terminals to anticipate to future demands. We are striving to improve the efficiency of our local operations, initiate modernisation processes and increase productivity. This has to be done in order to stay competitive in the market while ensuring a sustainable continuity of the terminal.”

Capt. Jan Nowak, CEO of OPCSA

The choice for TBA was obvious according to Nowak:

“TBA is acclaimed in the industry for their simulation expertise, their familiarity with different systems and equipment and having dealt with complex global implementation cases. They have carefully scrutinised our current situation, provided us with a solid overview of alternatives and defined the impact of the solutions to our operations.”