Category: Government and Military, None

Port of Koper

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Koper, Slovenia

Port of Koper, Slovenia

Challenges

  • Expansion of Number of Terminals and Capabilities
  • Added Equipment Including Conveyor Belts and Scales
  • Consolidation of Multiple Terminal Control

Results

  • Standardization Across All Terminals
  • Integration with Multiple Vendors' Equipment
  • Increased Efficiency: 364 Days a Year, 24 Hours a Day
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About Luka Koper

The Port of Koper is the largest, and considered the most important, port in Slovenia. It is a multi-use port in that it can handle multiple load types. Its 12 terminals handle mul-tiple containers, cars, general cargo and dry bulk. In 2016, total cargo through the port amounted to 22 million tons. The port, which operates 364 days a year and 24 hours a day, has some competition in ports located in Rijeka, Croatia and Trieste, Italy, but these are considered mostly for use in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. The port of Koper’s ability to stay ahead of its competition is attributed to its effective and smooth operations.
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Luka Koper’s Central Control System Luka Koper’s Central Control System

MEIDS Software Deployed

Luka Koper, working with system integrator, Robotina, d.o.o. (www.robotina.com), selected MEIDS’ GENESIS64™ HMI/SCADA and building automation suite, as well as GENESIS32™ HMI/SCADA suite.
Luka Koper’s Central Control System Luka Koper’s Central Control System

Project Summary

Port Reservoir Controls Using GENESIS64™ HMI/SCADA Port Reservoir Controls Using GENESIS64™ HMI/SCADA
As the Port of Koper began expanding both the number and capabilities of its terminals, the port’s management knew it needed to consider updating its control software. In addition to container and vehicle cargo, the port required additional control of equipment such as conveyor belts and scales for items such as iron ore and coal.

As far back as 2004, the port management began to look into how to best scale the control of its operations. At that time, each individual terminal contained its own control solution. The decision was made to work with system integrator, Robotina, which had worked with the port on other projects and had earned a reputation as a reliable partner. In turn, Robotina suggested MEIDS automation software solutions in order to consolidate and standardize the port’s control systems.
Port Reservoir Controls Using GENESIS64™ HMI/SCADA Port Reservoir Controls Using GENESIS64™ HMI/SCADA
Power Supply Monitoring at Port of Koper, Slovenia Power Supply Monitoring at Port of Koper, Slovenia

Benefits of the System

Prior to implementing the MEIDS software, each installation for each separate terminal involved multiple different companies, which required additional time and effort each time. Following the installation of the MEIDS solutions across all terminals, the port management noted the benefits of standardization, including the ability to make changes across the entire system more quickly.

Multiple individual competitor systems were replaced. The port initially began by installing MEIDS GENESIS32 32-bit-based software and then eventually moved to the newer GENESIS64 64-bit-based option. The system is con-nected to multiple vendors’ equipment (comprising over 12,000 tags) including PLCs, sensors, and other devices from Schneider Electric, Hitachi, Cybrotech, Siemens and more. The MEIDS system integrates with the port’s exist-ing Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange Server applications, as well as with the port’s own TinO application (Trženje in Operativa); a combination of TOS (terminal operation system) and Port Management system, which supports ordering services, work planning, invoicing, storage, etc.
Power Supply Monitoring at Port of Koper, Slovenia Power Supply Monitoring at Port of Koper, Slovenia
Shipboard Pressure Monitoring/Control Screen Shipboard Pressure Monitoring/Control Screen

Solutions Highlighted

GENESIS64™
GENESIS64™ is an advanced 64-bit multi-core, multi-processor HMI/SCADA solution suite designed for Microsoft operating systems. MEIDS GENESIS64 suite is a native .NET application that delivers unparalleled performance with OPC, BACnet, Modbus, and open standard database connectivity. The software suite provides connectivity from plant floor and building facilities to corporate business systems. Designed to leverage 64-bit, .NET managed code, and OPC UA technologies, GENESIS64 allows opera-tors, executives, and IT professionals to integrate real-time manufacturing, energy, and business information into a secure and unified web-enabled visualization dashboard.

Moving from 32-bit to 64-bit Solutions
For applications running MEIDS’ GENESIS32 product, the company created ConverterWorX™, which provides an easy way to convert existing 32-bit applications to the latest, current 64-bit GENESIS64 application format. The ConverterWorX tool allows as much conversion between the 32-bit and 64-bit projects as possible, letting users continue to benefit from the effort put into their existing 32-bit projects.
Shipboard Pressure Monitoring/Control Screen Shipboard Pressure Monitoring/Control Screen

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Conclusion

With competing ports nearby, the Port of Koper looked for a way to differentiate itself in order to stay ahead. The port’s management believes that by utilizing MEIDS automation software, it now runs more efficiently, ready to continue 364 days a year, 24 hours a day.

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