APM Terminals addresses efficiency and growth at TOC Americas

APM Terminals has transformed asset management from a holistic disciple to lean, optimised equipment utilization with resulting cost reductions and productivity boosts, conference goers heard today.

Speaking at TOC Americas in Panama, APM Terminals’ Head of Asset Management for the Americas, Neidyr Cury, said in-depth analysis of operational processes showed gains of significant additional operational hours following a global transformation rollout. That's equivalent to an 8% – close to double-digits percentage – increase in running hours at quayside with the same fleet size.

“Maintaining maximum terminal potential globally is our ultimate goal,” said Cury. “The results have already proved encouraging,” he said. Proactive maintenance and optimized resource allocation also extended equipment lifespan, reducing the need for capital investment, while operational costs were reduced by 6%, Cury added.

The figures: Based on estimates from 11 terminals year-to-date, the cost savings and OPEX avoidance are projected to be in the range of $6 to $7 million, prove, said Cury, that lean business methodologies work, as part of a “solution-oriented culture, with clear communication and objectives.”

Cury made the comments during his A Holistic Approach to Operational Excellence presentation, part of the TECH TOC programme at the three-day event.

Neidyr Cury has over two decades of experience in business management and operational leadership, including as Head of Portfolio Asset Maintenance & Lifecycle at APM Terminals prior to his present role.

Investing in Latin America

Also speaking at the conference, Marliz Bermúdez Richard, APM Terminals’ Head of Investments Americas, presented on Infrastructure Development and Maritime Trade. In pointing out that one third of APM Terminals’ entire portfolio of 60 terminals are in the Americas, Marliz highlighted the growth potential for Latin America in particular, singling out APM Terminals’ representation in Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico and the Port of Moín in Costa Rica as examples where an experienced and committed operator – APM Terminals – has invested heavily, boosting local business and contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Marliz said that over USD1 billion has been invested in APM Terminals Moín alone, to create a 40-hectare artificial island, 500 meters off the coast. APM Terminals handles a staggering 80% of the country’s containers, and has created 147,000 jobs, directly and indirectly. It is estimated, she said, that – thanks to APM Terminals’ presence – imports/exports have increased by 23% since the terminal was operational in 2019.

Turning to Lázaro Cárdenas, Marliz said the first phase of the project opened in 2017 as part of a USD$900 million investment. “As the first semi-automated, and most technologically advanced container terminal in the region, have developed intermodal products as unitary trains, connecting trade flows to the main consumption markets in Mexico. The interface at the port terminal is a key node to optimize the overall supply chain, sustaining the exponential growth of our customers.”

Marliz also used her presentation to highlight the benefits of APM Terminals continuous improvement culture through Lean methodology, as wel as technology implementation, used to lift the standards of efficiency at APM Terminals locations globally.