Port of Felixstowe (PFL) is the largest container port in the UK and one of the leading ports in Europe. PFL is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings Group, the world's leading port investor, developer and operator. (Hutchison has interests in 17 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, operating a total of 35 ports and many other transportation related service companies.)
The strategic location of PFL provides for the fast and efficient service of ships calling at North-West European ports. Over 100 shipping lines use PFL for the import and export of cargo via rail and road links.
PFL needed to ensure that all data regarding the movement of containers throughout the port and its 100,000 square metres of warehousing was instantly and readily available. The Port has developed its own wireless LAN operational and warehousing data communications system and it chose Cobham Antenna Systems to supply all antennas required.
We worked with PFL to meet the RF connectivity challenge presented by such a dynamic environment – communications links must be maintained despite vehicles operating within two stacked rows of containers, links between access buildings, drivers and the operators of PFL's large, slow moving cranes.
As the PFL WLAN system progressed, our high-gain sector and omni antennas covered all terminal buildings including the longest continuous quay in the UK, 24 terminal tractor units, 150 trailers, 13 cranes, 45 reach stackers, quarantine areas and MAFF cold storage inspection hangars.
The two high-gain sector antennas we provided are product references SA14-2460R-NF/798 and SA13-120-2450R/1031, which features a 120-degree azimuth radiation pattern. The omni antennas we provided are mounted on the cranes, and are product reference RCO3-2450-502/092, which offers circular polarisation and low gain, and measures 163 x 75 mm diameter.
These antennas have met the specification requirements of the Port of Felixstowe, in terms of gain, coverage and frequency, combined with discreet appearance, robust construction, ease of installation and long-term reliability.
Visit www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk
Contact us direct for more information: newmarket.sales@chelton.com, or telephone +44 (0)1638 732177.
