Automated Container Terminal Market by Offering (Equipment, Services, Software), Automation Level (Fully Automated Terminal, Semi-Automated Terminal), Application, Terminal Size - Global Forecast 2024-2030

Automated Container Terminal Market by Offering (Equipment, Services, Software), Automation Level (Fully Automated Terminal, Semi-Automated Terminal), Application, Terminal Size - Global Forecast 2024-2030


The Automated Container Terminal Market size was estimated at USD 12.20 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 12.84 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 5.38% to reach USD 17.62 billion by 2030.

An automated container terminal is a state-of-the-art facility encompassing a combination of computerized control systems, advanced machinery, and robotic equipment engineered to work in unison to enhance port operations' efficiency, safety, and reliability. These systems are principally applied in international and domestic ports engaged in maritime trade to optimize processes, reduce labor costs, and increase safety and efficiency within port terminal operations. Increased international trade activities have increased the demand for efficient container handling systems. Further, innovations in automation technology, such as robotics, artificial intelligence(AI), and IoT, are crucial in automated container terminals. Moreover, stricter environmental laws are promoting port operators to invest in green technologies, including automated systems that enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions. However, the high initial investment costs required to deploy automated systems may be prohibitive for some port operators. Furthermore, integrating new automated systems with existing port infrastructure and workflows can be challenging and require specialized expertise. Nevertheless, implementing 5G networks in ports for faster and more reliable data transfer and enhancing real-time decision-making in operations is expected to bolster the deployment of automated container terminals. Adoption of electric and hybrid container handling equipment leading to lower operating costs & sustainability supports market expansion.

Regional Insights

The demand for automated container terminals in the Americas is influenced by several key factors, including efforts to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness in response to increased trade volumes, particularly with the expansion of the Panama Canal. Additionally, there is a strong push towards reducing environmental impact through lower emissions and energy consumption. Labor cost considerations and the need to address safety concerns by reducing human involvement in hazardous operations are also significant drivers for the deployment of automated container terminals. Major investments in port infrastructure, coupled with advancements in technology that make automation more accessible and reliable, continue to bolster the demand in the region. In the EU region, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, leading to a rise in eco-friendly ACT initiatives, major countries are pioneers in green port technologies while focusing on the efficient throughput management offered by automated ports. In the Middle East, major oil-exporting nations are investing heavily in ACTs to diversify their economies and streamline trade operations. The Asia Pacific region showcases significant growth in demand for automated container terminals (ACTs) due to substantial trade volume and ongoing investments in port infrastructure from major economies. Moreover, the modernization of ports, leading to a surge in technological advancements and patent filings related to ACTs and integration of IoT and AI into port structures to reduce turnaround times and handle larger international trade volumes efficiently, has supported the market growth.

Market Insights

Market Dynamics

The market dynamics represent an ever-changing landscape of the Automated Container Terminal Market by providing actionable insights into factors, including supply and demand levels. Accounting for these factors helps design strategies, make investments, and formulate developments to capitalize on future opportunities. In addition, these factors assist in avoiding potential pitfalls related to political, geographical, technical, social, and economic conditions, highlighting consumer behaviors and influencing manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions.

Market Drivers
  • Growing demand for large container ships and the need for efficient port operations
  • High preferences toward automated equipment handling systems
Market Restraints
  • High cost involved in deploying and maintaining automated container terminals
Market Opportunities
  • Ongoing expansion and development of automated container terminals
  • Rising investments to expand container capacities worldwide
Market Challenges
  • Technical complications in the integration and development of automated container terminal
Market Segmentation Analysis
  • Offering: Increasing demand for equipment owing to the automation trend
  • Automation Level: Suitability of fully automated terminals for large scale ports to attain peak efficiency, safety, and consistency
  • Application: Preferences for clear greenfield terminals owing to advanced planning and incorporation of cutting-edge technologies
  • Terminal Size: Proliferation of large terminals for high-volume traffic, & maximized throughput
Market Disruption Analysis
  • Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
  • Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
  • Pricing Analysis
  • Technology Analysis
  • Patent Analysis
  • Trade Analysis
  • Regulatory Framework Analysis
FPNV Positioning Matrix

The FPNV positioning matrix is essential in evaluating the market positioning of the vendors in the Automated Container Terminal Market. This matrix offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining critical metrics related to business strategy and product satisfaction. This in-depth assessment empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success, namely Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

Market Share Analysis

The market share analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth assessment of the current state of vendors in the Automated Container Terminal Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions, companies are offered a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. These contributions include overall revenue, customer base, and other vital metrics. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With these illustrative details, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Recent Developments

Philippine-Owned Australian Container Terminal Vict Acquires Two Automated Cranes from China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) in Melbourne significantly enhanced its operational capabilities by adding two state-of-the-art automated ship-to-shore cranes supplied by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, a Chinese port equipment manufacturer. This strategic enhancement bolsters VICT's capacity to accommodate some of the largest trading vessels navigating Australian waters.

Evergreen Launches Taiwan’s 1st Fully-Automated Container Terminal

Evergreen Marine Corp (EMC) announced the inauguration of Terminal 7, the foremost fully-automated container terminal in Taiwan, at Kaohsiung Port. This facility, co-developed with Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), represents a monumental shift in the maritime industry, offering unparalleled operational capabilities for mega container ships.

Identec Solutions Granted USD 11 Million for Container Terminal Automation Project

Identec Solutions announced its involvement in the pioneering automation project, Project Mercury, at the Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGTP). With a substantial commitment of USD 11 million supported by USD 4.8 million in grants from Quebec's Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, it aims to revolutionize container data handling and tracking operations at MGTP's crucial Cast and Racine terminals.

Strategy Analysis & Recommendation

The strategic analysis is essential for organizations seeking a solid foothold in the global marketplace. Companies are better positioned to make informed decisions that align with their long-term aspirations by thoroughly evaluating their current standing in the Automated Container Terminal Market. This critical assessment involves a thorough analysis of the organization’s resources, capabilities, and overall performance to identify its core strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Company Profiles

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Automated Container Terminal Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include ABB Ltd., akquinet port consulting GmbH, APM Terminals, Camco Technologies, Cargotec Corporation, Cavotec SA, CMA CGM, CyberLogitec Co., Ltd., DP World Limited, Evergreen Marine Corp., IDENTEC GROUP AG, INFORM Institut für Operations Research und Management GmbH, Infyz Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kaleris, Konecranes Oyj, Künz GmbH, Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd., ORBCOMM Inc., t42 Tracking Solutions, Tideworks by Carrix, Inc., TMEIC Corporation, Total Soft Bank Ltd., Toyota Industries Corporation, Tratos Cavi SpA by ALMA S.r.l., and ZPMC Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd..

Market Segmentation & Coverage

This research report categorizes the Automated Container Terminal Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:
  • Offering
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Software
  • Automation Level
  • Fully Automated Terminal
  • Semi-Automated Terminal
  • Application
  • Brownfield Terminals
  • Greenfield Terminals
  • Terminal Size
  • Large Terminal
  • Medium Terminal
  • Small Terminal
  • Region
  • Americas
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • United States
  • California
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Australia
  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Europe, Middle East & Africa
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Nigeria
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom


Please Note: PDF & Excel + Online Access - 1 Year


1. Preface
1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency & Pricing
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Define: Research Objective
2.2. Determine: Research Design
2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument
2.4. Collect: Data Source
2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation
2.6. Formulate: Data Verification
2.7. Publish: Research Report
2.8. Repeat: Report Update
3. Executive Summary
4. Market Overview
5. Market Insights
5.1. Market Dynamics
5.1.1. Drivers
5.1.1.1. Growing demand for large container ships and the need for efficient port operations
5.1.1.2. High preferences toward automated equipment handling systems
5.1.2. Restraints
5.1.2.1. High cost involved in deploying and maintaining automated container terminals
5.1.3. Opportunities
5.1.3.1. Ongoing expansion and development of automated container terminals
5.1.3.2. Rising investments to expand container capacities worldwide
5.1.4. Challenges
5.1.4.1. Technical complications in the integration and development of automated container terminal
5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis
5.2.1. Offering: Increasing demand for equipment owing to the automation trend
5.2.2. Automation Level: Suitability of fully automated terminals for large scale ports to attain peak efficiency, safety, and consistency
5.2.3. Application: Preferences for clear greenfield terminals owing to advanced planning and incorporation of cutting-edge technologies
5.2.4. Terminal Size: Proliferation of large terminals for high-volume traffic, & maximized throughput
5.3. Market Disruption Analysis
5.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4.1. Threat of New Entrants
5.4.2. Threat of Substitutes
5.4.3. Bargaining Power of Customers
5.4.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
5.4.5. Industry Rivalry
5.5. Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
5.6. Pricing Analysis
5.7. Technology Analysis
5.8. Patent Analysis
5.9. Trade Analysis
5.10. Regulatory Framework Analysis
6. Automated Container Terminal Market, by Offering
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Equipment
6.3. Services
6.4. Software
7. Automated Container Terminal Market, by Automation Level
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Fully Automated Terminal
7.3. Semi-Automated Terminal
8. Automated Container Terminal Market, by Application
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Brownfield Terminals
8.3. Greenfield Terminals
9. Automated Container Terminal Market, by Terminal Size
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Large Terminal
9.3. Medium Terminal
9.4. Small Terminal
10. Americas Automated Container Terminal Market
10.1. Introduction
10.2. Argentina
10.3. Brazil
10.4. Canada
10.5. Mexico
10.6. United States
11. Asia-Pacific Automated Container Terminal Market
11.1. Introduction
11.2. Australia
11.3. China
11.4. India
11.5. Indonesia
11.6. Japan
11.7. Malaysia
11.8. Philippines
11.9. Singapore
11.10. South Korea
11.11. Taiwan
11.12. Thailand
11.13. Vietnam
12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Automated Container Terminal Market
12.1. Introduction
12.2. Denmark
12.3. Egypt
12.4. Finland
12.5. France
12.6. Germany
12.7. Israel
12.8. Italy
12.9. Netherlands
12.10. Nigeria
12.11. Norway
12.12. Poland
12.13. Qatar
12.14. Russia
12.15. Saudi Arabia
12.16. South Africa
12.17. Spain
12.18. Sweden
12.19. Switzerland
12.20. Turkey
12.21. United Arab Emirates
12.22. United Kingdom
13. Competitive Landscape
13.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023
13.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023
13.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis
13.3.1. Philippine-Owned Australian Container Terminal Vict Acquires Two Automated Cranes from China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries
13.3.2. Evergreen Launches Taiwan’s 1st Fully-Automated Container Terminal
13.3.3. Identec Solutions Granted USD 11 Million for Container Terminal Automation Project
13.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation
14. Competitive Portfolio
14.1. Key Company Profiles
14.2. Key Product Portfolio

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