Eimskip automate and streamline their processes with Autostore TOS

One of Iceland’s leading logistics companies, Eimskip manages the country’s most advanced container terminal.   

One of Iceland’s leading logistics companies, Eimskip manages the country’s most advanced container terminal. Strategically located at Sundahöfn harbor, Eimskip's operations have continually evolved to meet the demands of modern container shipping. A pivotal element in this transformation has been the implementation of TBA’s container terminal operating system Autostore TOS V5 , which streamlines the terminal’s operations and enhances efficiency.

Eimskip oversees a diverse array of logistics functions within its terminal. Its domestic operations deliver products to 80 locations daily, ensuring seamless connectivity across Iceland; while their 24/7 cold storage facility processes fresh fish for onward container shipments and export by air, and handles both unprocessed and packaged products. The main warehouse, with a 21,000-pallet capacity, has been in operation since 2003 and manages the unloading of around 6,000 containers annually.

The terminal spans an impressive 367,000 square meters, equivalent to 47 football fields. It features multiple quays, including Sundabakki Quay, built in 2019 to accommodate larger vessels like Brúarfoss and Dettifoss, and Kleppsbakki Quay, which was constructed in stages between 1982 and 2007 and serves smaller vessels such as Bakkafoss and Viviane Sherri D.

Eimskip's reefer and frozen storage facilities play a critical role in its operations. A reefer area capable of accommodating over 500 containers ensures regular inspections and temperature-controlled storage. The Sundafrost facility holds 3,000 tons of frozen food, including fish, pastries, and pizzas. Combined, these cold storage facilities manage up to 18,000 tons of products, valued at approximately 2 billion ISK.

The terminal operates with state-of-the-art equipment. Its fleet of cranes includes Alda and Straumur, both fully electric, alongside Stormur and Jaki. Alda, the newest mobile crane, arrived in 2022, while Straumur, a gantry crane, has been in operation since 2019. Maintenance is supported by comprehensive workshops, which handle 10,000 container repairs annually and maintain terminal equipment. Plans for expansion reflect the terminal’s ongoing growth.

Sustainability is a priority for Eimskip. Shore power connections for vessels have significantly reduced noise and emissions, while a dedicated recycling station efficiently processes operational waste. Gender diversity is also improving; the proportion of women in the workforce has grown from 1% in 2007 to 10% in 2024, with women taking on roles in crane operations, workshops, and other key areas.

The introduction of Autostore TOS addressed key challenges and streamlined processes, including the automation of previously manual tasks. The implementation of gate automation in 2023, which fully integrates with Autostore, has reduced the need for manual container checks, significantly reducing workloads and increasing throughput. Autostore TOS manages and schedules many of the manual operations that occur throughout the terminal, such as the inspection and washing of 600 containers each week, ensuring they are operationally ready.

Resource allocation has been optimized through Autostore TOS. The system ensures consistent conditions for high-value frozen goods in the reefer area and integrates with equipment scheduling to improve the deployment of cranes and trucks. Real-time data analytics further enhance operational planning, allowing vessel and yard planners to handle cargo more efficiently and enabling proactive maintenance scheduling to minimise downtime.

The scalability of Autostore TOS supports Eimskip’s ambitions for growth. Its seamless integration with new infrastructure, and ability to grow and scale as required, ensures the terminal remains ready for future developments.

Find out more about Autostore TOS.