VLI’s Cargo Unloading System Boosts Efficiency at Port of Pecém

Speed, an intelligent loading and offloading tool operated by VLI and implemented in 2021 at the Port of Pecém, has brought about significant efficiency gains. The system reduced equipment idleness by 62% in specific operations, increasing operational agility while decreasing operating costs. The solution was created in collaboration with Scala, a Stefanini Group company specializing in Processes, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. The goal was to develop a cargo unloading strategy to optimize resources and ensure cargo safety.

Speed is software capable of generating optimized plans for handling bulk products considering the capacity of the port terminal, stability, and physical integrity of the ships. With Speed, VLI became a key player in ship disembarkation planning, utilizing the maximum operational capacity of its assets in line with each vessel’s capacity. This differs from the previous scenario, where plans were exclusively made by captains who weren’t fully aware of the particularities of the port terminal.

The need for the tool arose from the observation that cargo disembarkation was limited to plans made by ship captains. In collaboration with Scala, VLI developed a customized solution for this need, involving data capture, processing, management, and analysis using custom tools and open-source solutions. To implement the optimization engine, data scientists and mathematicians were brought in to delve into the business context, ensuring a solid understanding of the analyzed data, conducting tests, and comparing them with accurate data to ensure effectiveness and accuracy.

“The results of the solution are noticeable and validate the thesis that it is possible to optimize port operations without compromising safety premises and reduce environmental impacts through more efficient use of port equipment. We will continue to work together, bringing this innovation to boarding operations as well, aware that we are shaping an even more promising future,” comments David Gomes, Head of Services at Scala.

“Innovation is an essential tool for VLI to continue increasing the efficiency of its operations and deliver even better results for our clients’ businesses. The solution can be incorporated into other terminals operated by VLI as we identify similar improvement opportunities as recorded in Pecém,” says Luciano Gonçalves Pereira, Digital Transformation Manager for Ports and Terminals at VLI.

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