PSA is using the latest automation technology to increase container throughput at the port of Tuas

In February, Singapore’s port of Tuas reached the milestone of handling 10m containers since operations began in 2022. Container terminal operator PSA International is using automated technology to make throughput and transhipment more efficient. Tuas Port is the world’s largest fully automated container-handling port.

PSA began operations at Tuas port with three berths but now has 11 in operation. In 2024 the terminal reported a record throughput of 40.9m TEUs (+5.5%), while PSA terminals outside Singapore contributed 59.2m TEUs (+5.7%) to the company’s overall container handling for the year. By 2040 PSA said it will have capacity to handle 65m TEUs annually at the Tuas terminal. 

Most of those containers are moved using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) coordinated by a fleet management system. Automated yard cranes and more than 300 AGVs are deployed across the 11 operational berths.

“We are collaborating with more than one partner/supplier for all our automated equipment, including the AGVs fleet management systems and the terminal operating system,” said a spokesperson for PSA International. “Our 5G-enabled AGVs are supported by intelligent data-driven management systems, smart engineering and power management platforms. As Tuas Port gradually scales up, PSA will seek to collaborate with various partners on smart solutions to further enhance our management systems.”

PSA is also now working with Evergreen Marine Corporation (EMC) as part of a joint venture in Singapore with the aim of improving container operations. The company said the partnership will offer long-term terminal capacity assurance in Singapore to EMC’s expanding global vessel fleet of box carriers.

Tuas supply chain hub

In October last year PSA unveiled its supply chain hub expansion within Tuas port, which is due to open in 2027. The company said the facility will act as a connected regional distribution centre and container freight station, and will “transform the logistics and supply chain landscape in Singapore”. 

Covering more than 18.5 hectares next to the container terminal, the PSA Supply Chain Hub (PSCH) will be equipped with advanced robotics and automation systems, including an automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) covering 9,300sq.m and standing 40 metres high. It will manage the vertical and horizontal transport of pallets between storage and dispatch zones on a 24/7 basis to boost productivity.

It will also use Intelligent Warehouse eXchange (iWX), a data exchange platform for port and warehouse information. The exchange will integrate data points warehouse management system (WMS), IoT sensors and video cameras. The company said the iWX will improve warehouse operations by providing real-time insights into warehouse traffic status and asset utilisation, which would improve productivity. 

The regional distribution centre (RDC) on site will also be equipped with automated sorting systems, real-time inventory tracking and robotic picking solutions for rapid order fulfilment and efficient inventory management to minimise lead times and speed up distribution.

The company said the technology is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern supply chains, “providing customers with enhanced visibility, streamlined processes and the agility needed to adapt to an ever-changing global market”.

Peter Voser, group chairman of PSA International, said: “The PSA Supply Chain Hub Tuas is strategically positioned to create exceptional synergy with Tuas Port and it will be instrumental in enhancing value capture within the port and supply chain ecosystem.”

The hub is also designed to cut emissions and will use renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage systems and energy-efficient designs, according to the company.