Flow-Through Gate
The Flow-Through Gate, introduced in 1997, is a fully automated system that identifies container trucks and gives drivers instructions within 25 seconds.
It handles an average traffic flow of 700 trucks per peak hour, and 8,000 trucks per day.
After a manifest is submitted through PORTNET®, the fully automated and paperless process at the gate clears trucks entering the port within 25 seconds, with the following steps:
The truck arrives at the in-gate. The driver taps his PSA pass on the Self Service Terminal (SST) and verifies his identity through a fingerprint biometric reader or keys in his Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The truck is weighed at the weighbridge.
The gate picks up the truck's identity from the In-vehicle Unit (IU) at the dashboard.
The gate's Container Number Recognition System (CNRS) captures the container number via Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.
The system checks the driver's identity, truck's identity, weight and the container number against the manifest and clears the truck for entry.
The system sends a message to the driver's mobile phone or Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) on the exact position in the yard where the container will be stacked.
In 1999, the Flow-Through Gate System was conferred an Innovation Award at the 11th UK Seatrade Awards for its contribution to the port's excellence.