The BufferStationTM machine is a new product of PACECO® Corp. that improves quayside operations by raising productivity, increasing safety and security, and managing inventory.

Computer simulations have established that the BufferStation machine will theoretically boost productivity by 50% by separating the ship operation and yard operation.

The BufferStation machine resides below the portal beams of a quay crane, straddling the truck lanes (see Figure below). Any typical 100 ft (30.5 m) gauge Post-Panamax quay crane can accomodate the BufferStation machine.

The BufferStation machine is a standalone device that can be installed with minimal modifications to existing facilities, therefore there are no lengthly or costly integration procedures.

In a standard unloading operation, the quay crane moves a container from the ship and deposits it on the BufferStation machine's platform.

Here, the container is considered "in buffer," so other operations can be performed, such as IBC (inter-box connector) service.

The BufferStation machine then uses a straddle hoist to move the container from it's platform to trucks at the wharf surface.