
Case Study
Associated British Ports - Passenger Gates
Automated Passenger Boarding
Gates for Associated British Ports
Design and installation of large scale automated passenger gate systems for cruise terminals.
Automated passenger boarding gates at multiple cruise terminals, accommodating variable gangway positions for safe and efficient embarkation.
Cruise terminals needed automated gates to handle variable gangway positions safely.
Design and installation of large scale automated passenger gate systems for cruise terminals at Associated British Ports
Project Snapshot
Client
Associated British Ports
Location
United Kingdom
Sector
Commercial Offices
Region
ROI, NI, UK
The Project
Associated British Ports required a solution to an engineering problem specific to cruise terminal operations. When a cruise liner docks, passengers need to board or disembark safely and efficiently, but the position of the ship's gangway varies depending on vessel size, tidal conditions, and the specifics of each docking manoeuvre. Many ports rely on sky bridges that cannot accommodate this variability without complex manual adjustment.
The solution needed to be designed and manufactured to accommodate a range of gangway heights and positions, operate reliably in a marine environment, and be installed across multiple port sites in close coordination with port operators and wider project stakeholders.

The Solution
Associated British Ports required a solution to an interesting engineering problem. When a cruise liner docks at a port there is a requirement for passengers to board or exit the liner both safely and efficiently.
Custom engineering solutions
Automated systems programming
Passenger boarding gates
Full project lifecycle support
Multi agency project management
The Result
Electro Automation designed, manufactured, and installed large-scale automated passenger gate systems at multiple Associated British Ports cruise terminal sites. The systems accommodate variable gangway positions, allowing passengers to board and disembark safely and efficiently regardless of the precise docking configuration of each vessel. The automated design removes the need for complex manual adjustment at each arrival, improving both operational efficiency and passenger safety.
The project was delivered through close multi-agency coordination with port operators, vessel operators, and the wider project team. Full project lifecycle support was provided from initial design through to commissioning and handover. The completed systems give Associated British Ports a reliable, automated boarding infrastructure that meets the operational demands of a busy cruise terminal environment across multiple locations.
Safe, adaptable passenger boarding gates operating across multiple cruise terminals.
Associated British Ports now operates automated passenger boarding gates at multiple cruise terminals, providing safe and efficient embarkation regardless of vessel gangway position.




























