HIRAIN Heavy-Duty Autonomous Haulers Boost Efficiency at Longgong Port
Release time:
2025-06-13 15:09
Recently, the Longgong Port Unmanned Horizontal Transport Equipment Procurement Project (Phase III), undertaken by HIRAIN, officially commenced operations. Through the deployment of 6 HIRAIN Heavy-Duty Autonomous Haulers (HAV) and supporting operational management software, integrated with Longgong Port's "Rail-Water Intermodal Intelligent Traffic Management System," the project successfully achieves 24/7 transportation operations between the railway freight yard and the water transport terminal. This intelligent solution effectively overcomes the efficiency bottlenecks of traditional railway container transshipment, ushering Longgong Port into a new era of smart rail-water operations.
This marks China's first inland river port to implement a fully automated, end-to-end operational system covering the entire process and all scenarios – from the front-end water terminal and mid-port storage yard to the rear railway freight yard. Covered automated operation modes include: water terminal to intermediate yard, railway yard to intermediate yard, and direct water terminal to railway yard. HIRAIN pioneered the use of a single type of carrier vehicle (HAV), one fleet dispatching management system, and one digital twin system, all compatible and interfaced with both the water transport and railway business information systems, to coordinate transportation production tasks across these different operational systems.
The transport carriers for this project utilize HIRAIN's third-generation Heavy-Duty Autonomous Haulers (HAV). Equipped with BeiDou high-precision positioning and 5G communication technology, the HAV features an exceptionally robust chassis structure. All electronic control units meet automotive-grade requirements. Its high-precision four-axle, eight-wheel steering control system enables seamless switching between straight-line, crab (diagonal), and coordinated turning modes. Torque-based four-wheel drive distribution control effectively reduces tire wear and enhances operational stability. The ABS-equipped braking system ensures safe operation even under extreme conditions like slippery surfaces.
Key Systems of the 3rd Gen Heavy-Duty Autonomous Hauler
Compared to the previous generation, the third-generation HAV reduces average operational energy consumption by 23% and increases range by 31%. The sensors (excluding LiDAR), controllers, base software, and algorithm software used in its autonomous driving system are all independently developed by HIRAIN, enabling it to meet the requirements of autonomous driving and diverse operational scenarios.
L4 Core Sensors & Domain Controller
HIRAIN's collaboration with Longgong Port began in 2022. During Phases I and II, the company cumulatively delivered 10 HAVs and the supporting system platform, providing strong assurance for the smooth implementation of those projects and laying a solid foundation for the efficient rollout of Phase III. Since the launch of Phase III, rail-water intermodal container handling volumes have consistently increased, significantly boosting port operational efficiency and helping Longgong Port become a benchmark for smart inland river ports.
Currently, 16 HIRAIN HAVs operate within the Longgong Port area. Responding to instructions in real-time via an intelligent dispatching platform, they perform precise operations between the port zone and the railway station, achieving full-process automation in container loading, unloading, and transfer. The large-scale application of this automated equipment has resulted in Longgong Port achieving over a 95% reduction in safety incidents compared to traditional inland river ports. Loading/unloading efficiency has increased by 80% compared to traditional methods, and staffing requirements have been reduced by 60%, marking a dual breakthrough in both safety and operational efficiency.
HAVs Operating at Longgong Port
Looking ahead, HIRAIN will continue to uphold the philosophy of "Value Innovation, Service Excellence." Leveraging extensive project experience, we will persistently explore the application of autonomous driving technology in more scenarios to enhance service effectiveness. We look forward to providing more clients with efficient, safe, and green intelligent solutions, contributing further strength to the advancement of the industry!