Providing advisory services to determine which data capture system could help Lyttelton Port manage heavy vehicle parking and occupancy

Lyttelton Port Data Solutions

Handling cargo transported by ships, rail, and trucks, the Lyttelton Port is the largest port in the South Island of New Zealand.

Our team was engaged to help the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) identify a method that would continuously capture articulated truck parking and occupancy within port grounds. The goal was to dynamically direct traffic to appropriate locations as overflow parking was occurring in undesignated areas, impeding traffic flow, and creating safety and efficiency issues.

We determined two possible solutions: cameras with machine learning for object recognition, or LiDAR technology using laser sensors to scan and capture the presence of vehicles. The LiDAR system was similar to what was already in place at the port for collision detection and crane avoidance. We conducted a drone survey to create a 3D map of the port to plan locations of the sensors and/or cameras to assess their visibility, and connected with LiDAR suppliers to test the units in the local environment to identify how they could best be used.

Ultimately, our report recommended using the LiDAR approach to reduce safety risks to other users of the precinct and keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.