The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) continues to expand with the addition of two new members: German electronics manufacturer, IFM Electronic, and Israel’s Hi-Tech Solutions (HTS). With security increasingly rivaling safety as an issue of concern for the global ports industry, both the new members are experts in these fields.

Established in 1969, IFM Electronic supplies advanced sensors and controllers to leading spreader manufacturers, including Bromma, RAM and ZPMC. IFM’s area of specialisation encompasses inductive proximity sensors for twist locks; detection and distance measurement systems for anti-collision devices fitted to port cranes, mobile controllers and I/O modules; cameras and displays for mobile applications; hydraulic pressure and temperature sensors; RFID systems and cables.

In the ports and intermodal sectors, HTS specialises in optical character recognition equipment, laser profiling, security and gate and port automation. Formed in 1992 and with operations based in Israel, the Netherlands and the US, HTS also manufactures solutions for damage inspection and hazardous materials tracking.

While ports and port equipment manufacturers are devoting increasing attention to security, safety remains a top priority – and one of the areas PEMA is especially active. Port Strategy recently published an interview with the Chairman of PEMA’s Safety Committee, Hannu Oja, also Director of Technology at Konecranes, where Oja touches on the challenges facing the industry in its bid to continue to improve safety at the world’s ports.

PEMA provides a forum and public voice for the global port equipment and technology sectors, reflecting their critical role in enabling safe, secure, sustainable and productive ports and thereby supporting world maritime trade.

Cavotec is a member of the Association, as are many leading port equipment manufacturers, including: ABB, Actiw, AME, APS Technology Group, Baltkran, Brevetti Stendalto, Brieda Cabins, Bromma, Bureau Veritas, Conductix-Wampfler, Control Techniques, Craneports, Hyster Europe, Identec Solutions, Kalmar Industries, Konecranes, Konecranes Liftrucks, Lasstec, Linde Heavy Truck Division, Liftech Consultants, Loxystem, MAFI Transport-Systeme, Michelin, Nexans, Portek Group, Pintsch Bubenzer, Prysmian, RAM Spreaders, SICK, Siemens, Stinis, Svetruck, Terberg Benschop, Terex Cranes, Tratos Cavi, TTS Port Equipment and Visy.

We’ve published posts about our remote controlled munitions clearance application in Norway – as have Norwegian TV and Norwegian industry titles – but here is an article in English that explores this project in more detail, this time by Cat – that supplies the vehicles operated by our radio remote control units. Click here for the full report included in issue 2, 2010 of Cat Magazine.

AOL Travel News recently reported on a sneak preview of Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas: the largest cruise ship in the world, albeit by a mere 5 millimeters, in the run-up to its maiden voyage on December 1. Launched last year, the Allure’s sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, is the Allure’s slightly shorter sibling, and both are ready to use shore-to-ship power, also known as ‘cold ironing’.

Cold ironing describes the practice of ships turning off their auxiliary diesel engines when in port and plugging into shore-side electricity. Vessels require power while docked to run substantial on-board services ranging from lighting, telecommunications and food preparation, to mooring and cargo handling. Currently, the majority of vessels meet these power demands by running their auxiliary engines that emit pollutants into port areas.

The 18-deck Allure has a tonnage of some 225,000 tons and is 1,181 feet in length. At full-capacity, the Allure will offer accommodation for up to 6,400 passengers and have a crew of 2,800. A zipline, a Dreamworks 3D cinema, a mini golf course, even Broadway shows all feature among the vast array of attractions packed onto the Allure. Watch the clip below for more: