Singapore – November 2031 – Hutchison Ports, a global leader in port operations, has achieved a 40% increase in container handling efficiency and a 75% reduction in power-related equipment downtime at its Singapore港 (Singapore Port) terminal after deploying the ABB SAFT183VMC power supply for PLC systems. The upgrade, completed in Q3 2031, replaced the terminal’s outdated PLC power supplies, which struggled with vibration and voltage drops—leading to frequent failures of automated container cranes and conveyor systems.
The Challenge: Vibration & Voltage Drops Disrupt Port Operations
Hutchison Ports’ Singapore terminal is one of the world’s busiest, handling 20 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. The terminal relies on 50+ automated rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), 80 conveyors, and 100+ automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to handle container loading, unloading, and storage—all controlled by PLC systems. The legacy PLC power supplies faced critical challenges in the port’s dynamic environment:
- Vibration Causes Component Failures: The constant vibration from RTGs, AGVs, and ship engines damaged the legacy power supplies’ internal components, leading to 10-12 power supply failures weekly. Each failure caused 1-2 hours of downtime for automated equipment, delaying container handling and increasing vessel berthing time.
- Voltage Drops Trigger PLC Shutdowns: High power demand during peak hours (e.g., when multiple cranes operate simultaneously) caused voltage drops in the port’s power grid. The legacy power supplies couldn’t compensate for these drops, triggering PLC shutdowns and disrupting coordinated container handling operations. During peak seasons, this resulted in a 25% reduction in handling capacity.
- Poor Weather Resistance: The legacy power supplies had low IP ratings (IP20), making them vulnerable to rain, humidity, and salt spray—common in Singapore’s tropical maritime climate. This led to 5-6 weather-related power supply failures monthly, further disrupting operations.
- High Replacement Costs: Frequent failures required the replacement of 60-70 power supplies annually, with each replacement costing €3,500. Combined with maintenance costs, this resulted in annual power supply-related expenses of €420,000.
“Efficient container handling is critical for maintaining our competitive edge—any downtime in automated equipment can lead to costly vessel delays and lost business,” said Tan Ming Hui, Hutchison Ports Singapore Terminal Manager. “Our legacy PLC power supplies couldn’t withstand the port’s vibration and voltage fluctuations, leading to constant disruptions. We needed a rugged, vibration-resistant power supply solution that could deliver stable power and reduce failures.”
ABB SAFT183VMC Power Supply: Vibration-Resistant Power for Port PLC Systems
After evaluating solutions from Siemens and Schneider Electric, Hutchison Ports selected the ABB SAFT183VMC power supply for its vibration-resistant design, voltage compensation technology, high weather resistance, and long lifespan. Key features addressing Hutchison Ports’ pain points include:
- Vibration-Resistant Construction: The ABB SAFT183VMC power supply is engineered with reinforced internal components and anti-vibration mounts, complying with IEC 60068-2-6 vibration standards. This enables it to withstand the constant vibration from port equipment, eliminating vibration-related failures.
- Wide Input Voltage Range & Compensation: With an input voltage range of 85-264V AC, the SAFT183VMC easily compensates for grid voltage drops and fluctuations. It maintains stable output voltage (±0.1%) even during peak power demand, preventing PLC shutdowns and ensuring coordinated equipment operation.
- Marine-Grade Weather Resistance: The power supply features an IP65-rated enclosure with a salt-resistant coating, protecting against rain, humidity, and salt spray—ideal for Singapore’s maritime climate. This eliminates weather-related failures and extends the power supply’s lifespan.
- Long Lifespan & Low Maintenance: The SAFT183VMC has a MTBF of 200,000 hours, significantly reducing replacement needs. It also supports remote monitoring via Hutchison Ports’ terminal management system, allowing technicians to detect potential issues early and reduce on-site maintenance time by 80%.
- Fast Recovery & Redundancy: The power supply features fast recovery time (≤10ms) after voltage interruptions, ensuring quick resumption of PLC operations. It also supports parallel redundancy, allowing multiple units to share the load and further enhancing reliability.
Results: Faster Handling, Less Downtime, Lower Costs
Six months after deploying the ABB SAFT183VMC power supply, Hutchison Ports’ Singapore terminal achieved significant operational improvements:
| Metric |
Before ABB SAFT183VMC Power Supply |
After ABB SAFT183VMC Power Supply |
Improvement |
| Weekly Power Supply Failures |
10-12 |
2-3 |
75% Reduction |
| Container Handling Efficiency |
30 TEUs/Hour/Crane |
42 TEUs/Hour/Crane |
40% Improvement |
| Annual Power Supply-Related Costs |
€420,000 |
€105,000 |
75% Reduction |
| Monthly Weather-Related Failures |
5-6 |
0 |
100% Elimination |
| Vessel Berthing Time |
24 Hours/Average |
16 Hours/Average |
33% Reduction |
“The ABB SAFT183VMC power supply has revolutionized our terminal operations,” Tan said. “During the recent peak season, we handled 40% more containers per hour without any power-related disruptions, reducing vessel berthing time significantly. This has improved our customer satisfaction and strengthened our position as a leading global port operator.”
Rajesh Kumar, ABB’s Asia Pacific Port Automation Product Manager, commented: “Port terminals require power supplies that can withstand harsh, dynamic environments while delivering stable, reliable power for automated systems. The ABB SAFT183VMC power supply is designed to meet these demands, helping port operators improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower costs.”
Hutchison Ports plans to deploy the ABB SAFT183VMC power supply across 30 additional terminals in Asia, Europe, and North America by 2038, targeting a 40% group-wide improvement in container handling efficiency and a 70% reduction in power-related downtime.
Hamburg, Germany – October 2031 – Veolia, a global leader in water and waste management, has achieved an 80% reduction in unplanned downtime and a 35% decrease in energy consumption at its Hamburg wastewater treatment plant after deploying the ABB SAFT183VMC power supply for PLC systems. The upgrade, completed in Q3 2031, replaced the plant’s outdated PLC power supplies, which struggled with corrosion and voltage instability in the harsh, humid wastewater environment—leading to frequent PLC failures and disrupted treatment processes.
