How do mobile charging units provide flexibility in evolving terminal layouts?

Mobile charging units provide flexibility in evolving terminal layouts by allowing terminals to reposition charging infrastructure as operational patterns change, without being constrained by fixed installations. This approach supports phased automation rollouts, seasonal variations, and layout reconfigurations whilst avoiding the risk of charging infrastructure becoming obsolete when strategies evolve. For terminals implementing battery-powered automated equipment, mobile charging solutions reduce upfront capital requirements and enable iterative automation strategies that adapt to changing operational demands.

What are mobile charging units and why do terminals use them?

Mobile charging units are portable power supply systems that charge battery-powered automated equipment such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated straddle carriers at container terminals. Unlike fixed charging stations permanently installed at specific locations, mobile units can be relocated to match changing equipment deployment patterns and operational requirements.

Terminals increasingly adopt mobile charging solutions as automation expands because they provide operational flexibility without requiring major infrastructure investments upfront. When implementing battery-powered horizontal transport equipment, terminals face significant industry challenges regarding:

  • Charging infrastructure placement
  • Power distribution
  • Future scalability

Mobile units address these challenges by allowing terminals to test charging strategies, adjust to operational realities, and modify infrastructure placement as automation matures.

The fundamental value proposition centres on preventing infrastructure obsolescence. As terminals refine their automated operations, traffic patterns shift, yard layouts change, and equipment deployment zones evolve. Mobile charging infrastructure adapts to these changes without requiring costly reconstruction of fixed installations or alterations to existing buildings and operational areas.

How do mobile charging units support changing terminal layouts?

Mobile charging infrastructure adapts to operational changes by enabling terminals to relocate charging capacity as equipment deployment patterns shift. This flexibility proves particularly valuable during phased automation rollouts, where terminals gradually introduce battery-powered equipment whilst maintaining existing operations in adjacent areas.

Terminals frequently need to reconfigure yard layouts to accommodate changing vessel call patterns, adjust traffic flows to optimise throughput, or expand operations into newly developed areas. Fixed charging stations can constrain these modifications, as their permanent locations may no longer align with optimal equipment circulation patterns. Mobile units eliminate this constraint by moving with operational requirements rather than dictating them.

Seasonal variations in cargo volumes also benefit from mobile charging flexibility. During peak periods, terminals may concentrate equipment in specific zones to handle increased throughput. Mobile charging units can be repositioned to support these temporary deployment patterns without permanent infrastructure modifications. Similarly, when terminals test different operational strategies or charging approaches, mobile units provide the flexibility to evaluate performance before committing to fixed installations.

This adaptability prevents charging infrastructure from becoming obsolete when operational strategies evolve. As terminals gain experience with battery-powered equipment, they often refine their understanding of optimal charging locations, required charging capacity, and ideal distribution of charging points across the facility. Mobile units support this learning process without penalising early infrastructure decisions.

What are the main advantages of mobile versus fixed charging infrastructure?

Mobile charging infrastructure offers distinct advantages in flexibility, investment timing, and operational adaptability compared to fixed installations. Mobile units allow terminals to defer major capital expenditure whilst testing charging strategies and refining operational approaches. This reduces upfront investment requirements and supports iterative automation implementation.

Aspect Mobile Charging Units Fixed Charging Stations
Best suited for Operational variability, phased automation, uncertain growth trajectories Mature automation, stable layouts, well-understood equipment patterns
Capital investment Lower upfront costs, deferred expenditure Higher initial investment, comprehensive integration
Installation complexity Minimal civil works, faster deployment, simpler reconfiguration Permanent electrical infrastructure, civil works, layout integration
Flexibility Relocatable to match changing operational patterns Permanent locations constrain future modifications
Charging capacity Distributed, adaptable capacity Higher capacity at specific strategic locations
Operational disruption Minimal disruption, ideal for brownfield sites Significant disruption during installation

Fixed charging infrastructure makes sense for terminals with mature automation operations, stable layout configurations, and well-understood equipment deployment patterns. Permanent installations typically provide higher charging capacity at specific locations and integrate more comprehensively with power distribution networks. Terminals with 24/7 operations and consistent equipment circulation patterns benefit from strategically placed fixed stations that support predictable charging requirements.

Mobile units excel in situations involving operational variability, phased automation adoption, or uncertain growth trajectories. Terminals implementing battery-powered equipment for the first time face numerous unknowns regarding optimal charging locations, required charger quantities, and ideal charging strategies. Research indicates that determining the appropriate number of chargers requires detailed analysis of dynamic operational patterns, as insufficient charging capacity leads to fleet energy levels dropping below critical thresholds whilst excessive capacity represents unnecessary capital expenditure.

The choice between mobile and fixed infrastructure also depends on terminal size and automation maturity. Smaller terminals or those in early automation phases typically benefit more from mobile flexibility, whilst large-scale automated facilities with established operational patterns justify fixed infrastructure investments. Many terminals adopt hybrid approaches, combining fixed stations at high-utilisation locations with mobile units providing supplementary capacity and operational flexibility.

How Portwise helps terminals plan flexible charging infrastructure

We support terminals in evaluating and implementing charging infrastructure that adapts to evolving operational needs through detailed simulation analysis and strategic planning. Our approach addresses the fundamental questions terminals face when implementing battery-powered equipment:

  • Determining optimal charger quantities
  • Identifying effective placement strategies
  • Ensuring infrastructure investments remain viable as operations evolve

Our services for flexible charging infrastructure planning include:

  • Simulation analysis for charging placement optimisation – We model dynamic terminal operations over extended periods, tracking equipment energy consumption patterns, identifying optimal charging locations, and testing different charging strategies before infrastructure commitments. This analysis accounts for varying operational intensities, peak workload periods, and the relationship between charging capacity and fleet energy levels.
  • Assessment of mobile versus fixed infrastructure trade-offs – We evaluate the operational and financial implications of different charging approaches based on your terminal’s specific characteristics, automation maturity, and growth projections. This includes analysing how charging infrastructure decisions affect equipment productivity, operational performance, and capital expenditure requirements.
  • Phased automation planning incorporating flexible charging strategies – We develop implementation roadmaps that align charging infrastructure deployment with automation rollout phases, enabling terminals to scale charging capacity as battery-powered equipment fleets expand whilst maintaining operational performance throughout the transition.
  • Capacity analysis ensuring charging infrastructure scales with equipment growth – We quantify charging infrastructure requirements across different operational scenarios, testing how varying battery sizes, fleet compositions, and operational patterns affect charger demands and power grid supply needs. This analysis informs decisions about infrastructure sizing that accommodates future growth without over-investment.

Our simulation-based approach enables terminals to make informed decisions about charging infrastructure investments that support rather than constrain future operations, whether through mobile units providing maximum flexibility or strategically placed fixed installations optimised for specific operational patterns. Portwise Consultancy helps you navigate these complex decisions with confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to our team of experts today.

Related Articles

Back to Learning Center