Senior Auto wins bid for autonomous driving project at Weihai Port, Shandong Province

Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese autonomous trucking solution developer Senior Auto has been announced as the winning candidate for the autonomous driving technology development and procurement project for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships at Weihai Port in Shandong Province, according to the company's announcement on Jan. 27.  

Photo credit: Senior Auto

Located on the northern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, Weihai Port is a key coastal port in Shandong Province, specializing in bulk cargo, container handling, and RoRo transportation. Its RoRo services encompass both international and domestic passenger and cargo transportation, featuring a comprehensive system for loading and unloading various cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and vehicles.  

RoRo operations require high precision and efficiency due to the complexity of cargo arrangement. Factors such as container sizes, weight distribution, and the positioning of priority cargo for quick unloading are critical. Traditionally, human operators handle these tasks under challenging conditions, including narrow spaces and limited visibility in ship holds. Drivers often need on-site assistance for precise parking, and workers operate in close proximity to moving vehicles, navigating tight spaces under trailers to perform manual tasks. This environment presents significant risks of human-machine interaction incidents.  

Weihai Port officials emphasized the need for autonomous vehicles to replace traditional manual operations, addressing challenges like precise navigation in confined spaces, seamless transition between external and internal positioning, and adjustments for ship docking deviations. Senior Auto's autonomous driving solutions are expected to enhance operational safety and efficiency while meeting the complex requirements of RoRo ship operations.