Scalable cargo automation doubles capacity at SCSC terminal
Integrated ETV system and expanded storage deliver seamless capacity growth during live operations at Ho Chi Minh City’s key air cargo hub
Air cargo demand in Southeast Asia has grown rapidly, pushing operators to expand capacity without disrupting ongoing operations. At Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC) has continuously invested in infrastructure to maintain high service standards and strengthen its role as a regional benchmark for air cargo handling.
As SCSC’s business expanded, its existing terminal—originally equipped with advanced material handling technology—reached capacity limits. The challenge was to scale operations efficiently while maintaining uninterrupted service, ensuring the facility could support future growth without costly downtime or operational risk.
Lödige Industries addressed this need by building on its original system design from 2010. By integrating an additional Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV), expanding the storage system by 150 positions across new levels, and modernising the control system, the solution has successfully doubled handling capacity while the terminal remained fully operational.
Project Details
Solution
Lödige Industries has delivered a scalable material handling system designed for long-term expansion. The original installation in 2010 included a 20ft Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) and a 150-bay storage system, engineered with future capacity growth in mind.
The recent expansion builds directly on this foundation:
- Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV): A second ETV has been integrated into the existing system, enabling parallel transport and storage operations. This significantly increases throughput while maintaining precise and automated ULD handling across multiple levels.
- Expanded storage system: The facility has been extended vertically with the addition of third and fourth storage levels, contributing 150 new storage positions and optimizing space utilization within the terminal footprint.
- Control system upgrade: The programmable logic controller (PLC) has been modernised to support the expanded infrastructure, improving system coordination, reliability, and operational efficiency.
The combination of these elements ensures seamless interaction between transport and storage processes, allowing continuous operation even during system upgrades, an essential requirement for high-traffic cargo environments.
Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC) is a leading air cargo terminal operator in Vietnam, based at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
The company aims to position itself as the preferred choice for air cargo services and to set a benchmark for service quality across Southeast Asia.
Its focus on modern infrastructure and advanced handling systems reflects a long-term strategy to support growing regional and international logistics demand.
Impressions
