Financing of  large infrastructure projects creates stable jobs and spurs growth in other sectors of the economy.

Infrastructure development is now a priority for the world’s leading economies.

The state and quality of infrastructure is one of the criteria for socio-economic development and a powerful lever for the growth of social welfare.

Energy, water supply, transport and telecommunications directly affect the quality of life of the population.

The key problem in the implementation of new investment projects is the correct choice of financing scheme. This complexity can be attributed to limited government spending and the growing range of potential funding sources offered by markets (including investment loans).

One of the most important models for financing large infrastructure projects is project finance (PF).

In this case, the planning, financing and management of the project is carried out through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), the shareholders of which are companies interested in the project.

With the growing need for financing large infrastructure projects, dissatisfaction with the current quality of infrastructure and limited resources of the state budget, the PF is becoming an increasingly important instrument that meets the interests of business and society.

A prerequisite justifying the need to use long-term loans for financing of large infrastructure project is the convenience of its use in public-private partnership projects.

CP Finance UK Finance finances infrastructure projects around the world, including Europe, the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia and other regions.

We offer investment loans for the construction of roads, pipelines, seaports, electrical substations, wastewater treatment plants and other facilities.

Our finance team helps clients obtain large loans from European banks, attract venture capital and interested private investors. We also offer clients all kinds of financial advice, tax optimization and other services.

The essence of financing for large infrastructure projects

Infrastructure can be defined as artificial, permanently located public facilities that form the basis of economic life due to its functions of moving people and goods, supplying electricity, water, and so on.

Leading economists also highlight the so-called social infrastructure, which indirectly supports the development of the economy, satisfying the intangible needs of the population.

Infrastructure plays a leading role in the functioning of the social system. Infrastructure activities are usually controlled at the local level, as the development of roads, urban transport, seaports, water pipelines and power grids is the responsibility of local authorities.

Financing of large infrastructure projects often requires public participation. In Europe, the importance of this issue is emphasized through co-financing from the European budget.

Infrastructure projects can also be categorized according to their range (eg international, national, regional, local).

Economists often distinguish between public and private infrastructure.

The term “infrastructure investment” refers to the investment in infrastructure assets to obtain specific benefits at the perceived risk.

There are the following types of financing for infrastructure projects.

First, an investor can buy securities of an infrastructure investment company.

Secondly, a financial institution can provide an investment loan for the construction or expansion of the related infrastructure.

Finally, it can be subsidies and grants for strategic projects.

The company can also decide on direct investments, including expansion, modernization, reconstruction or construction of a new infrastructure facility. In the context of infrastructure investment, so-called intangible investments are important, including R&D expenditures, which play a critical role in sectors such as communications and energy supply.

Infrastructure investments can be classified according to the source of funds. Here we are talking about public, private and public-private investments made jointly by both sectors.

Infrastructure is characterized by specific features that determine the planning and implementation of investment projects.

Obviously, these features influence the choice of financing models.

• Specific objectives: infrastructure facilities provide public services in the area of production or consumption, therefore financing of such projects is important for the whole society.

• Structural cohesion: Infrastructure projects usually require the construction of the entire facility to achieve planned functionality.

• High capital intensity: the construction and operation of infrastructure facilities are associated with significant costs with a long payback period.

• Longevity: Once built, infrastructures can define the landscape of production and population systems for an extended period of time, continuing to serve for decades or even centuries.

• Lack of mobility: infrastructure facilities are permanently connected to a specific region, which implies the use of local services.

The above information reflects the specifics of the infrastructure.

Funding models for infrastructure projects should take into account capital intensity, high risk and long investment project cycle.

This limits the financing options available, and sometimes excludes the participation of a private investor who expects a return on capital invested in the shortest possible time.

Fundamentals of financing large infrastructure projects

Funding for socially significant infrastructure projects is based on three principles, which clearly indicate the distribution of responsibilities between private companies, authorities, other institutions and users:

• Principle of financial responsibility: public authorities are responsible for project preparation, while private partners are largely responsible for construction and operation.

• The principle of decentralization: each part of the project is carried out by the participant who is most effective in the given conditions. The state usually provides technical assistance, subsidies and regulation of the process.

• Principle of microeconomic optimization: this principle is widely applied to users who cannot be directly attracted to finance construction.

In the case of financing private infrastructure projects, the situation changes dramatically.

According to these principles, responsibility, including investment risk, is allocated mainly between private companies and users.

The financial participation of the state in the implementation of large infrastructure investment projects is determined by numerous factors, including the economic activity of the state, its propensity to invest in public projects.

In addition to financial motives, the private sector can participate in financing  for large infrastructure projects (investment loans) for the following reasons:

• An infrastructure project is essential to achieving business goals.
• Allocated public funds are insufficient to finance the growing business needs for maintenance and infrastructure development.
• The participation of private equity in infrastructure investments is a significant factor in negotiations with the authorities.
• Companies strive to serve the community by providing infrastructure services at a reasonable price, quality and quantity.

In the 1990s, Europe saw a shift in responsibility for the transport infrastructure network and utilities, from state to corporate, as it required the highest possible return on investment.

Today, private companies build, operate, maintain and upgrade numerous roads, bridges, tunnels, seaports and terminals, water treatment plants, gas pipelines and oil pipelines around the world.

All this reflects a clear trend towards shifting responsibility for public projects to private companies.

Against this background, the search for funds to finance large infrastructure projects has intensified, since business is looking for the most convenient and profitable sources both in the form of investment loans and in the form of combined PF instruments.

Private equity in financing infrastructure projects

In many European countries, the provision of infrastructure services is still the responsibility of municipalities, which determines their key role in such projects.

Municipalities are involved in infrastructure construction in a variety of ways:

• Implementation of projects using the resources of the local community.
• Creation of special purpose vehicles to attract external financing.
• Inclusion of private companies in accordance with applicable law.

Project finance is a principle in which the tasks of municipal authorities are partially shifted to an SPV (Special Purpose vehicle) created for these purposes.

This approach is becoming more common.

As previously outlined, the public sector’s objectives in the provision of public services are changing in recent years. Although such projects are traditionally considered unprofitable, it should be noted that there has been a significant increase in the attraction of private equity through SPVs for the implementation of infrastructure projects.

This method of financing has certain advantages for local authorities.

First, an SPV can raise significantly more funds than the limits set for municipal companies in many countries.

Second, paying off the investment loan disciplines utility companies, making them more efficient.

Finally, attracting private investors through SPVs requires significantly less bureaucratic procedures than financing directly from the budget.

To avoid abuse in the implementation of infrastructure projects with state participation, it is important to ensure maximum transparency of investments with the involvement of professional financial and management teams.

In general, insufficient investment in infrastructure with limited resources of the state budget is today the main motive for finding new solutions that would make infrastructure projects more profitable for the private sector.

The starting point for private participation in infrastructure investment is the emergence of management initiative. According to this principle, the management of a public service provider or the management of a private company should be based on the same principles.

This management approach delivers customer focus, efficiency and innovation with benefits for business and society as a whole.

Despite the current significant differences between the management of public and private entities, in both cases the goal is to improve efficiency and increase the value of the company.

Why does this approach find application in infrastructure investment?

It should be borne in mind that the traditional management of infrastructure and the provision of public services by state-owned companies has become ineffective.

The reasons for attracting private equity may be as follows:

• Failure of the public sector to provide adequate quantity and quality of public services in the municipal sector.
• Chronic budget deficits and insufficient motivation of local government to work effectively on infrastructure projects.
• Growing social expectations and environmental demands.

On the one hand, modern conditions have required public authorities to train the private sector and use effective mechanisms already developed in this sector.

On the other hand, they opened the way for private companies.

Thus, models of financing infrastructure projects have emerged, involving increased participation of the private sector in the ownership and / or management of infrastructure facilities.

Infrastructure service models

Currently, there are different approaches regarding the allocation of costs, risk and, as a result, the sharing of rewards.

We can distinguish four models in the provision of infrastructure services.

In the traditional (German) model, the responsibility lies with the municipality.

The British model combines the functions of owner and operator in a private company. The private initiative to finance infrastructure services or investments is supported by a related UK government program.

Management contracts, leasing, concession are options of the French model, in which the operator is selected by the municipality through a tender. Without losing control over the infrastructure, the commune can ensure efficient management and modern technology.

Finally, the industrial model refers primarily to industrial infrastructure.

Here, a private owner hands over the infrastructure to specialized operating companies in order to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Each of the listed models has its own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the German approach to infrastructure projects ensures low cost of public services. On the other hand, the British approach is more flexible and less bureaucratic, independent of politics.

The experience of other countries shows the feasibility of using individual models for specific activities. The German model finds particular application in the water supply, sewerage and heating sectors. It is used in Germany, Portugal, the Scandinavian countries and the USA.

The British model is only popular in the United Kingdom in the water and wastewater sector. The French model, which dominates France and the developing countries of South America, focuses on the wastewater, heating and waste management sectors.

Finally, the industrial model is appropriate when a company that owns an infrastructure wants to improve its functioning. Local government policies also play an important role in this matter.

The World Bank, promoting the French model, describes options for financing infrastructure services in the context of the growing private sector participation in these activities.

BOT, BOOT, concessions, leasing, public-private partnerships, management and maintenance contracts – the implementation of these projects today takes a variety of forms.

An individual or company can participate in infrastructure financing, infrastructure management, and both. Such cooperation can be carried out in the form of leasing, concession, sale of assets or the creation of joint ventures.

Investment loans for infrastructure construction

An investment loan is a type of loan provided to companies to finance new investment projects.

This type of financing is characterized by a significant amount of available funds.

To obtain an investment loan for the construction of infrastructure, a company usually needs to make a contribution of up to 20-30% of the total planned investment costs.

CP Finance UK Finance is ready to provide an investment loan on the most favorable terms with an initial contribution of the project initiator of 10%.

Investment loans for businesses can be provided for up to 15-20 years.

This option has a number of significant advantages. First, the company can repay the loan before the agreed period expires. Secondly, banks can provide grace periods.

The role of project finance in infrastructure development

The above features of infrastructure projects require careful planning of projects, given their high capital intensity and long payback period.

Among the features of project finance for infrastructure projects, it is worth noting the use of high financial leverage, lending to companies without an operating history, and a complex structure of project participants.

History of project finance: global experience

The project finance method is applicable to many investment projects.

PF as a concept based on the use of private capital to finance investment in public services has a long history. As early as the 18th and 19th centuries, the road network was renewed in England, where the source of return on private investment was the toll for the use of the road.

The development of railroads, water, electricity, and telephony in the 19th century also required private equity. In the first half of the 20th century, the state assumed these responsibilities in many countries, but over the past 25 years, the process has reversed again.

Project finance in natural resources (coal, oil, gas) began in the 1930s in the United States.

This was followed by the development of oil fields in the North Sea (1970s) and other projects related to the development of mineral deposits in Australia and other parts of the world.

The use of project finance in the energy sector also began in the United States, where the Private Utlity Regulatory Policy Act was adopted in 1978 to support the development of private energy production (IPPs, or Independent Energy Projects).

A consequence of the processes of privatization and deregulation in the United States were similar processes in the energy sector in the UK in the early 1990s and then around the world.

The growth of PF over the past 20-25 years is mainly associated with global deregulation processes.

Co-financing of large infrastructure projects as roads was intensive in the UK in the 1990s thanks to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

Currently, these projects are called public-private partnerships.

One of the areas of use of project finance for infrastructure projects is also telecommunications, in particular the financing of mobile networks, which developed intensively in the late 1990s.

Today, project finance is also supported by the internationalization of investment processes.

Leading investors, consultants and lenders have projects from all over the world in their portfolios and use the experience gained in numerous projects.

Project finance is perceived as a method of financing large infrastructure projects and complex investments with increased risk. However, there are no restrictions on the amount of debt, so the use of the PF is possible for relatively small projects, including those implemented in small settlements for the local community.

CP Finance UK Finance investment services in Europe and beyond

CP Finance UK Finance provides a full range of financial services related to the construction, modernization or expansion of infrastructure around the world.

We offer financing for large infrastructure projects of all types.

Our interests cover the following projects:

• Highways and bridges.
• Sea ports and cargo terminals.
• Power plants, substations and transmission lines.
• Wastewater treatment facilities.
• Oil and gas pipelines.
• Social infrastructure, etc.

Interested in raising funds for the implementation of large infrastructure projects?

CP Finance UK Finance will answer any of your questions regarding investment lending and project finance.

CP Finance UK FINANCE LIMITED
Website:https://c-pfinanceuk.com/
E-mail:finance@cpuk-financeltd.com
Alt-Email:admin@cpukfinanceltd.com

An investment lending is a type of loan provided to a business to finance new capital-intensive projects.

As a rule, these are significant investments.

To gain access to investment lending, the recipient’s own contribution is usually required, which in most cases amounts to 20-30% of the total project cost. Some financial institutions cover up to 90-100% of the investment cost of the project.

CP Finance UK FINANCE provides financing for large projects with the initiator’s own contribution of up to 90%.

The loan can be provided both for a newly established company and for companies that have been on the market for many years.

In most cases, European banks recognize a company as reliable if it has worked on the market for at least 6 months.

Provided financing can be short-term (up to 1 year), medium-term (1-3 years) and long-term (up to 20 years).

An investment lending can only be used for investment purposes, including the following expenses:

• Property that will be owned by the company.
• Special equipment and machines used for production.
• Copyright, patents, licenses and know-how.
• Securities.

The main goals that can be achieved using investment lending are classified by economists into three main groups:

• Material investments such as the purchase of real estate, company cars, machine tools or special equipment needed to grow the business.

• Intangible and legal investments, including the acquisition of copyrights, trademarks, patents, know-how, licenses, which are necessary for the functioning of the company.

• Financing. For example, buying long-term securities, including shares of other companies.

A distinctive feature of investment lending is that they are issued to fulfill clearly defined plans.

Any entrepreneur can apply for an investment lending if he has a good credit history and is ready to invest his own funds, at least 10% of the planned investment.

A well-prepared business plan is a prerequisite for obtaining a loan.

The loan amount depends on many factors, which are considered individually. Both the needs of the enterprise and its financial condition are taken into account. The bank can offer a one-time disbursement of the entire requested amount, as well as its payment in tranches.

The latter solution is especially suitable for projects implemented in several stages (for example, construction or modernization of a production hall).

Large investment lending: how to get it

Our clients are often interested in the conditions that an entrepreneur must fulfill in order to obtain an investment loan.

Companies wishing to develop large projects in the energy, oil and gas sector, infrastructure or agriculture often apply for investment loans. Not all applicants can count on a positive decision from the bank. Below we will indicate what requirements the company must meet.

A business owner wishing to access bank investment lending must meet the following requirements:

• High creditworthiness, which depends on the requested loan amount requested by the company from the financial institution.

• Flawless credit history, which can be verified through the credit bureau in your country.

• Availability of certain assets to make your own initial contribution in the amount of 10% of the cost of the project. This percentage also depends on the risk that the bank faces in case of investment failure.

• A promising investment project, which is supported by a reliable business plan. The entrepreneur must provide documents confirming the feasibility and financial efficiency of the future project.

To obtain an investment bank loan, you must submit the relevant documents and applications to the selected bank.

Their number and list may differ depending on the institution.

To increase the chance of a positive decision of the bank, it is necessary to carefully prepare a business plan for this project. It is also necessary to prepare documents that reflect the financial health of the company.

When deciding on lending to a business, the bank analyzes the planned project in terms of the chance of success and the possibility of making a profit. The current economic situation is also taken into account.

It makes sense to publish detailed financial analysis and forecasts.

The bank may refuse to issue a loan if it considers that the project was planned inaccurately and the risk is too high.

Advantages and disadvantages of investment loan

Not every company has financial resources that will cover the cost of an investment project.

Lack of free financial resources usually means abandoning many projects that could positively affect the development of the company and, thus, increase its income.

With financial support from large banks, you will be able to carry out further investment projects necessary in an era of growing competition. Companies must invest in new products, new technologies, new industries, better equipment. Investing in development ensures the maintenance of a competitive position in the market and growth of the business.

Investment lending for large-scale projects allow adjustment of financing in accordance with the borrower’s project’s cash flows.

Flexible conditions to a certain extent prevent problems with the company’s financial liquidity caused by the implementation of capital-intensive projects.

Thanks to the competent combination of borrowed funds from several sources, even large and expensive projects do not significantly worsen the financial health of the company.

An investment loan is usually provided for a long term.

However, remember that this period does not exceed the depreciation period of the fixed assets that make up the investee (for example, purchased cars, equipment or real estate).

Advantages: 

Investment lending for many companies is the only solution to ensure business growth.

The most important advantage of an investment loan is a large amount of financing.

It happens that banks do not set an upper limit on the loan amount.

The financing provided can be the key to success for a young company, giving the business a huge competitive advantage and becoming the driving force behind its development.

The long term of the loan allows the borrower to tailor financing to a specific project.

Early repayment of the loan is possible, as well as periodic grace periods for debt repayment.

To obtain a loan for the implementation of large investment projects, it is necessary to provide a business plan and financial indicators of the company, including current revenue and projected profit. Banks carefully analyze all applications and check the chances of success of a particular project.

Investment loans are provided only to companies that, according to the bank, are considered reliable and have good prospects for the future.

Receiving such financing is a kind of confirmation of the high potential of the business.

Despite the seeming complexity and laboriousness, investment lending today has become a popular solution for many companies.

Disadvantages:

Like any other financial product, an investment loan for the development of large projects has some drawbacks.

The biggest drawback is by far the very difficult access for new companies.

For a company to be trusted by the bank, it must successfully operate on the market for at least 6-12 months. Therefore, it is often possible to attract project financing for new companies only through alternative financial instruments.

Another drawback is the relatively long processing time of the application, which is preceded by the collection of a significant amount of documentation about the company and its activities. Some companies for which interest rate risk is important may also view variable interest rates as a disadvantage.

Another problem may be the need for an initiator’s contribution and collateral.

Bank loans for large investments

The participation of banks in the investment process involves the mobilization of funds for investment purposes, the issuance of large loans, investment in securities and equity participation.

Bank investment loans have sufficient profitability with high risks.

So, investment bank lending is a long-term service available to customers who have promising ideas for improving or opening a new direction in their business.

Principles for providing bank investment loans:

• A clear delineation of functions and responsibilities between the credit and investment structural divisions of the bank, which should help to optimize the relationship between the bank and clients in the investment area.

• Optimization of the investment lending procedure, which makes it possible to improve the process of granting and repaying an investment loan in accordance with specific phases of the life cycle of an investment project.

• Unification of the procedure for obtaining an investment loan in all large commercial banks with the creation of a number of clear criteria that determine the terms of lending.

• Priority of innovative projects due to the need for continuous technical development and business modernization.

• Analysis of the creditworthiness of borrowers, as well as forecasting the characteristics of future cash inflows in the long term.

• The effectiveness of investment lending mechanisms for the bank and borrowers, contributing to the balance of interests of the parties to the loan agreement for the successful implementation of the investment project.

• Applying a proper procedure for granting investment loans in accordance with international guidelines.

Implementation of these principles of bank investment lending for large-scale projects provides a favorable environment for managing credit risk.

If you are interested in Investment lending for large-scale projects for large projects, contact CP Finance UK FINANCE.

We offer financing on the most favorable terms with an initiator’s contribution of up to 10%.

Securing investment loans

A characteristic feature of investment lending is that the loan cannot be blank (unsecured).

Consequently, banks will always use some form of securing investment loans, such as bank guarantees or collateral.

The main ways to secure investment loans are listed below:

• Collateral. Most often, the loan is secured by liquid assets owned by the borrower’s company, SPV or third parties. In cases of project finance, project assets can be used as collateral (for example, a facility under construction, equipment, materials, etc.)

• The guarantee can be used in various forms. Firstly, a payment guarantee is an unconditional obligation to transfer certain funds to the bank in case the borrower violates the terms of the agreement or other guarantee events. Secondly, it can be a project completion guarantee containing the sponsors’ obligation to continue the implementation of investment plans in certain circumstances. Thirdly, it may be an additional guarantee in the form of a bank deposit of the sponsor or the companies implementing the project.

• Assignment (cession) of claims and accounts to a third party in favor of the bank.

• Insurance agreement and other options.

The cost of an investment loan collateral for large projects may vary, but in general its ratio to a loan is set at 2:1.

The asset provided by the borrower as collateral must be highly liquid, suitable for long-term storage, and easily accessible for control.

Cultural property, charitable organization assets and certain other objects (as defined by the legislation of the host country) cannot be loan collateral.

Contact us to learn more about the services of CP Finance UK Finance.

CP Finance UK FINANCE LIMITED
Website:https://c-pfinanceuk.com/
E-mail:finance@cpuk-financeltd.com
Alt-Email:admin@cpukfinanceltd.com

 

Container terminals project financing are an essential element of the future global intermodal transport system.

Over the past decades, the number of containers transported around the world has increased every year, reaching an impressive 802 million TEU in 2019.

The share of containers in the maritime transport market is also growing steadily.

Modern seaports act as key hubs for international trade, and international agencies are increasingly focusing on the financing and construction of marine container terminals, especially in terms of efficiency, innovation and expansion of the global network.

Currently, the largest container terminals are located in East Asia, mainly in China. However, companies around the world are interested in the construction, modernization and expansion of these facilities. For this reason, CPUKFINANCE engineering services are in great demand in the Middle East, Europe, USA, North Africa, Latin America and other regions of the world.

Since its inception, containerization has remained one of the most important ways to consolidate and transport cargo.

Containerization helps to pack a consignment into a separate compact unit while maintaining shape, size and weight during transportation, handling and storage, that is, during the entire transport cycle.

Today, container terminal operators have to take into account the rationalization and reorganization taking place in different parts of the transport chain and having a direct impact on their activities. Engineering design of a container terminal every time becomes a serious challenge for contractors, requiring an innovative and individual approach to the project.

The goal of our engineering team remains unchanged.

We strive to increase the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, ensuring the reliability and stability of terminals without excessive financial costs.

This requires not only the use of TOS, large automated gantry cranes and AGVs, but also the introduction of innovative logistics models.

CP Finance UK FINANCE LIMITED is also ready to offer you long-term project financing for the construction of seaports and container terminals on favorable terms with the involvement of large private investors, venture funds and leading European banks.

Financing the automation and modernization of marine container terminals

The degree of automation of container handling is a determining factor in the development of modern seaports.

This indicator is important for achieving high efficiency in international trade.

The modernization of container terminals is aimed at the following:

• Reducing the time of unloading and loading the ship with container cranes.

• Improving the efficiency of road and rail transport infrastructure, which is responsible for the movement of goods within the port and their shipment to customers.

• Increase in labor productivity of container terminal employees, determined by the number of containers handled per employee.

• Gradual reduction of energy consumption by 1 TEU.

To achieve these goals, CPUKFINANCE offers a wide range of engineering solutions.

First, the terminal must be equipped with cranes that can efficiently handle ships of all sizes.

Secondly, modern container terminals are equipped with reliable automated systems that carry out fast and accurate loading and unloading operations with minimal human intervention.

Finally, we and our partners offer operators the latest automated equipment to integrate all cargo handling processes.

TOS (Terminal Operating System) play a key role in increasing the competitiveness of container terminals.

These are universal IT systems that ensure the continuity, high speed and safety of container handling.

Innovative integrated control systems ensure fast reloading, and modern sensors ensure greater accuracy in any transport task, eliminating equipment downtime. The main advantage of TOS is the fast flow of information, which allows control center operators to support the decision-making process for maintaining the technical condition of port facilities and monitoring logistics processes.

Thanks to advanced solutions in the field of automation, the process of unloading a ship is fundamentally different from what it was known 20-25 years ago.

Automated loading and unloading operations are as follows:

• The operator in the crane cab uses computer systems to locate the container on the ship, pick it up, and then the container is automatically sent to the delivery line, where it is loaded into an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle).

• AGV delivers the container to the site for an automatic crane, which places the container at a predetermined location.

• The whole operation is controlled by the advanced terminal operating system TOS, which eliminates accidental errors and streamlines the process.

• Containers stored in stacks are loaded onto tractors in a semi-automatic mode, or they are automatically sent to AGV, which transports them to the railway platform.

In major European seaports such as Rotterdam, container terminal automation started earlier than others.

This practice has been shown to be highly effective, resulting in increased loading and unloading speeds while reducing the number of dock workers. The modernization of container terminals around the world is moving towards universal automation and computerization.

For example, in 2017, the Qingdao port was the first in Asia to acquire an automated container terminal QQCTN, which significantly increased the port’s handling capacity and provided multi-million dollar savings.

The experience of operating such systems shows that the need for personnel can be reduced by 70% or more while increasing the speed and safety.

Moreover, a computerized container positioning system and a scanning laser ensure that the container terminal operates smoothly in the dark.