Digitize the capture and verification of inbound and outbound containers with your mobile harbor cranes.

A recent CERTUS customer, an international company specializing in refrigerated storage and logistics, who chooses not to be listed by name, faced a challenge: how to optimize processes at the waterside, where containers are loaded and unloaded?

Illustration of a Mobile Harbor Crane equipped with OCR cameras positioned to capture container codes and damage images during handling operations

On the landside, the gate operation was already fully automated using OCR technology by CERTUS. However, on the waterside OCR was not yet used for process optimization. Registering container transactions and verifying container damages was error-prone and finding personnel for this task was becoming increasingly more difficult.

They began searching for a more efficient approach and discovered the Mobile Harbor Crane OCR solution from CERTUS. To validate its potential, the technology was first implemented on a single crane as a proof-of-concept. The results were very positive: container numbers were automatically identified, and high-quality images were captured to record container damage condition and ensure full transparency. In case of exceptions, alerts are sent directly to the planning team, allowing quick resolution without interrupting ongoing operations.

Discussions are eliminated

The ability to capture and store high-quality images of each crane move proved to be extremely beneficial. Disputes about container damage condition are a very time-consuming task. With OCR-generated images as proof, lengthy discussions are eliminated, and complicated research is no longer necessary. The process becomes faster and more conclusive.

"With OCR-generated images as proof, lengthy discussions are eliminated, and complicated research is no longer necessary."

Encouraged by these results, the company is now integrating the solution with its Terminal Operating System (Navis) and has ordered MHC OCR for installation on two additional cranes. The

fourth crane, mainly used for pallet handling, does not require OCR. As the OCR system also supports capturing of the Terminal Tractor (TT) ID, the customer will also start seeing great benefit from ‘automated job-stepping’ whereby the next task to the TT operator will be dispatched faster than before.

Why CERTUS?

Initially, the company approached both Supplai and CERTUS. After Supplai was acquired by CERTUS, the choice was clear. Integrating the complementary strengths of Supplai and CERTUS provided strong confidence in an exceptional project outcome.

Collaboration was smooth, with strong communication between the project manager and developers. The only challenge was coordinating with the crane supplier to access signals, which caused minor delays but was resolved successfully. The outcome is a robust solution that makes operations smarter and more efficient.

Setting a New Standard for Crane Operations

By embracing OCR technology, the company has not only

reduced errors and staffing pressure but also improved transparency and

customer trust. What started as a single proof of concept is now shaping the

future of their waterside operations: faster, smarter, and ready for growth.

Get started with Mobile Harbor Crane OCR at your terminal

Discover how Mobile Harbor Crane OCR can digitize your waterside operations, reduce manual work, and improve transparency across every container move.