Container weighing system attracts SA port interest

South Africa’s port authorities have shown keen interest in an ‘intelligent’ container weighing system that could put the screws on overweight containers once and for all. The LASSTEC “Smart Twistlock” load sensing system is the first technology that measures the load “where it really happens” – and that’s directly in the spreader twistlock, says Beat Zwygart, managing director of LASSTEC Sarl, marketers of the product. “A tiny built-in sensor calculates the load on the twistlock by measuring its elongation – and precision is absolute because the twistlock is actually the load cell,” Zwygart told FTW. With the World Shipping Council (WSC) proposing the mandatory weighing of all containers at port of departure before they are stowed aboard a vessel for export, the technology could play a significant role. But legislation aside, there are many good reasons for weighing containers before they are stowed, says Zwygart. “Optimal weight distribution on the vessel leads to optimal stowing of containers as well as optimal vessel utilisation. Equally importantly it avoids releasing onto the road eccentrically loaded containers that exceed axle weights on road trucks.” The system has not only caught the interest of Transnet Port Terminals. LASSTEC has several projects pending as a result of the intermodal exhibition held in Cape Town last October, said Zwygart. “We have about 30 systems in operation today. The first was installed at Felixstowe in the UK where we could do extensive tests on an RTG crane. We now have systems in operation on each continent and in many different types of application.” The question is what a terminal does once it has identified an overloaded container, he added. “Some terminals refuse to handle it, some ask the forwarder to repack it into two containers and some turn a blind eye.” There’s also been significant interest from railway authorities. “The railroads are interested in an accurate weighing system for revenue reasons,” said Zwygart. “Being able to weigh containers that are being loaded onto rail allows them to maximise revenues. In the USA, for example, some railroad companies charge based on weights. But the weights are taken from the forwarder and these are not challenged or re-checked.” In South Africa, FTW understands that a task team has been appointed by the Department of Transport to look into the issue of overweight containers. Because around 75% of containers are carried from Gauteng to the ports, the DoT is keen to prevent road damage by weighing containers before and after they’re loaded onto trucks. Clearly the system has plenty of benefits for all involved – but how the costs will be allocated is a debate all on its own.