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Westwell enables satellite-free autonomous operations at Khalifa Port
As container terminals across the Middle East increasingly move to embrace autonomous equipment operations, the ability to access vehicle localisation data without satellite positioning systems is becoming an important consideration.
Earlier this year, Westwell, a specialist in AI-driven intelligent logistics solutions, achieved normal autonomous operations under Zero-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) conditions across its terminal tractor and trailer fleet at CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal (CSP ADT) at Khalifa Port. The company considers that this represents a significant further step in the development of smart autonomous container handling in the region.
The milestone builds further on Westwell’s existing equipment automation program at CSP ADT. Currently, Westwell’s fleet at the Abu Dhabi port facility consists of 12 Q-Trucks and six Q-Chassis (IGV), and the terminal has continued to expand its autonomous capabilities as part of the program.
Rather than relying on satellite positioning throughout terminal handling operations, Westwell’s autonomous vehicles can maintain localisation and navigation capabilities using onboard sensing and positioning technologies. The success of the technologies has been demonstrated in live terminal work flows at CSP ADT involving quay crane and yard marshalling operations.
The resilience that results from operating independently of satellite technologies is highly relevant to the conditions faced by autonomous equipment in the Middle East. Large outdoor terminal environments, combined with high temperatures, sandstorms and other environmental factors, place additional demands on autonomous vehicles operating across a terminal.
At CSP ADT, the GNSS-independent operation combines LiDAR, odometry and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to maintain vehicle localisation and navigation without GNSS input. The multi-sensor approach allows autonomous vehicles to continue normal terminal workflows without relying on satellite positioning.
CSP ADT began working with Westwell on terminal equipment automation in 2019, rolling out its intelligent quay crane tally system. In 2021, it deployed Westwell’s Q-Truck, making it the first port in the Middle East to deploy autonomous container trucks. In 2025, CSP ADT added six Q-Chassis IGVs, representing the region’s first IGV deployment project.
