In the bustling port of Antwerp, where every second counts and communication can literally save lives, efficiency is not a luxury but a necessity. At MPET, Europe's largest container terminal, it is all about speed, security and scalability.

With an annual capacity of 9 million TEUs and more than 50% of Antwerp's container volume, it is the hub of global shipping. But even in such a high-tech environment, communication can be a challenge, especially when there are more than 2,000 employees working at the terminal every day.

With more than 9 million TEU capacity, 3.7 km of quay length and an area of 247 hectares, MPET is a giant in the maritime world. Every day, the world's largest container ships are handled here, such as the MSC Loreto with a capacity of 24,346 TEU.

The challenge: walkie-talkies and shift changes

How do you keep communications between thousands of employees secure, fast and traceable? That is a question MPET also asked itself. There was a daily struggle with long queues at the security gates during shift changes. With 82 radio stations per shift and 164 changeovers per hour, it was quite a job to control who took a walkie-talkie and who returned it.

The solution: smart radio cabinets

This is where we, Vandeputte Safety Experts, come into our own. Following positive feedback from ArcelorMittal, MPET chose radio cabinets with built-in traceability. The result?

• Less waiting time at the security gates
• Full control over who uses what
• Clear reporting and usage statistics
• Ability to share and analyse data

What could be better?

As with any digital transformation, some areas for improvement emerged. This included unstable internet connections via SIM cards, manual updates of user data, and a reporting system that was not always user-friendly. During peak hours, there was also a backlog of recalculations, leading to delays on the machines. But MPET learned quickly. Switching to Wi-Fi and further fine- tuning of the software addressed many of these issues.

What will the future (of walkie-talkie management) bring at MPET?

The next step? Integrate different types of devices into the lending system, depending on function and security level:

• Normal walkie-talkies
• ATEX radios for explosive environments
• Smartphone-like devices
• P-DATS and tablets

The aim? Every employee gets the right device for the task at hand. Those who borrow an item must also return it before leaving the terminal. This keeps everything tidy and safe.

MPET as digital pioneer in the port

MPET's story shows how digitisation in the port is not just about big ships or cranes. Sometimes it's in the details - like a radio cabinet that reduces waiting times and increases safety. In a sector where every minute counts, that makes a world of difference.