ACFS Port Logistics gets green light to run B-triples

ACFS Port Logistics has been granted approval to operate super B-triples on the Port of Brisbane, following a successful trial run.

Brisbane is now the only port in Australia using these 42m B-triples, capable of carrying three 40ft containers; with a maximum Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 75 tonnes.

Though ACFS has enough prime movers and trailers to put together up to nine super B-triples, it says it only plans to operate two or three of these combinations at a time.

The same trailers used for the super B-triples are being utilised in PBS approved 30m super B-doubles too –also operated at the port by ACFS.

The super B-triple approval process has been a long time in the making, with ACFS working together with the Port of Brisbane and NHVR, to get this over the line.

The journey began nine months ago when Andrew Rankin from Port of Brisbane and Wayne Jenkins from ACFS spoke about continu- ous improvement, which led to the B-triple initiative.

The NHVR said the approval follows a substantial period of design, collaboration and trialling with relevant logistics stakeholders to ensure it met all necessary safety and transport standards.

NHVR chief engineer Les Bruzsa said the initial trial started with an assessment of the dynamic performance of the proposed B-triple combination.

“The NHVR utilised its in-house computer modelling capabilities and assessed the combination. This information was then provided to Port of Brisbane to assess the infrastructure limitations of the requested network before a practice run of the combination was conducted,” Bruzsa explained.

“The NHVR also conducted several tests with instrumented super B-double combinations last year. They provided useful information on the operational characteristics of larger combinations, including roll stability and speed profiles.”

These super B-triple combinations have specific access in the port. “The requested routes were identified by ACFS in line with their commercial operational requirements. The operation of the super B-triple is currently limited to travel only between the ACFS depots and various terminals. The routes have been assessed by Port of Brisbane and the NHVR,” Bruzsa added.

The super B-triples are restricted to a maximum speed