Kalmar and APM Terminals have established a strategic partnership to develop next-generation container terminal technology. The collaboration focuses on joint software development using the Kalmar One platform and aligning product roadmaps. This initiative aims to integrate operational expertise directly into automation systems to improve safety and terminal efficiency.
The partnership introduces an Automation as a Service model, utilizing APM Terminals’ Pier 400 in Los Angeles as a primary testing ground. These collaborative efforts are designed to create a common automation platform. Enhancements resulting from this deal will be available to all global ports using Kalmar automation systems.
Kalmar, a global provider of cargo handling equipment and automation solutions, and APM Terminals have announced a strategic partnership to develop next generation terminal technology aimed at strengthening resilient and safe terminal operations worldwide.
What does the partnership involve?
The collaboration centres on two core initiatives. Under joint software development and deployment, APM Terminals will gain access to Kalmar One source code and work directly alongside Kalmar teams to develop the solution, with software deployment to existing and prospective terminals also executed jointly. Under product roadmap alignment, the two companies will work to deeply integrate APM Terminals’ operational expertise into the Kalmar One automation system, helping refine the offering to meet the evolving needs of automated terminals.
What is the shared value proposition behind this partnership?
A key component of the collaboration is the development of an Automation as a Service approach, designed to create shared value for both organisations. APM Terminals currently deploys Kalmar One at its Pier 400 terminal in Los Angeles, the largest container port terminal in the Western Hemisphere, providing a live testing ground for the technologies developed through this partnership.
What did APM Terminals say about the collaboration?
Hans Jacobs, Head of Operational Technology and Analytics at APM Terminals, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to shaping the next generation of terminal technology through closer collaboration. He said combining Kalmar’s equipment and software capabilities with APM Terminals’ operational expertise allows the companies to co-develop integrated automation solutions that are safer, more transparent and better aligned with real operational needs, setting a new standard for industry partnerships.
What did Kalmar say about the significance of this deal?
Juuso Kanner, Vice President of Automation at Kalmar, described the partnership as an industry first and a major milestone in terminal automation development. He said the collaboration will help APM Terminals reduce complexity and enhance efficiency across its automated terminals through a common platform, while all customers using Kalmar One will benefit from the enhancements developed through the partnership and APM Terminals’ expertise in terminal operations.
What does this mean for the broader terminal automation industry?
The partnership signals a deeper convergence between equipment manufacturers and terminal operators in developing automation technology, with the resulting improvements expected to extend benefits beyond APM Terminals to the wider base of ports and terminals using Kalmar’s automation systems globally.
