RFID technology in a ro-ro terminal. A study regarding the conditions and applicability for trailer handling

Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that enables wireless exchange of information. An RFID-system consists of three components, which are, tag, reader and a client. The advantage of the technique is that it does not require a “clear line of sight” between the tag and the reader. The technology is used in a wide variety of areas, such as access control, warehousing and terminal operations, as well as in port terminals. The technology is currently utilized in a few large container terminals. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to examine whether the technology can be applied for trailer handling in a ro-ro terminal as well. The main question for the report is whether any advantages regarding trailer handling can be achieved by applying RFID-technology. Furthermore, the report will discuss problems and obstacles that might occur when introducing RFID-technology in a ro-ro terminal. The report is based on a case study together with a survey. Primary data has been gathered through an interview and a questionnaire survey. Furthermore, the report is based on literature studies, mainly consisting of scientific articles. The authors conclude that the RFID-technology can contribute to more efficient trailer handling in a ro-ro terminal. Furthermore, errors due to the human factor and the handling time per trailer can probably be reduced. The technology will also most likely lead to greater traceability and cargo security. However, the implementation of RFID-technology is associated with high costs, which probably will have a dampening effect. Moreover, the lack of a common labelling system of trailers within the industry constitutes a problem. In order reach the full potential of the RFID-technology the authors believes that a collaboration between the different actors involved in trailer handling has to be established, in order to agree upon a unified standard solution.