WORLD'S leading crane manufacturer Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery Co, Ltd (ZPMC) has successfully developed a fully automated container terminal stuffing and de-stuffing system.

The operation of the new systems was recently demonstrated to experts from major domestic ports, including Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao, at ZPMC's base at Shanghai's Changxing Island. More experts from over 60 countries around the world will watch a demonstration later this month Xinhua reported.

ZPMC president Guan Tongxian said the system can raise the current container handling efficiency by at least 50 per cent and the stacking yard's capacity by 25 per cent with lower operating costs and less pollution.

The new system uses a steel track which is parallel to the quay line with a crane on its upper part and a flat car on the lower part. All facilities are controlled via central control booth. No workers are needed for loading and unloading.

Compared to the foreign automated terminal system, which uses global positioning system (GPS), ZPMC's new product is more accurate in positioning, faster and more convenient, said Xinhua.