A critical milestone has been reached for the Middle East’s first Intelligent Guided Vehicle (IGV) deployment project. China's COSCO Shipping Ports Limited Abu Dhabi Terminal (CSP ADT) has achieved a key phase in its unmanned vehicle fleet expansion plan of introducing six IGVs. The first batch of three IGVs has been shipped from China and is expected to arrive at CSP ADT by the end of October. The introduction of Q-Chassis (Westwell self-developed IGV) represents a major step in the terminal’s intelligent transformation strategy, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting its vision of becoming a smart and green hub port in the Middle East.

As a global leader in autonomous driving technology, Westwell has deployed nearly 1,000 autonomous vehicles worldwide. And this delivery of Q-Chassis overseas further demonstrates the scalability and international recognition of Westwell's core products.

Image: IGVs loaded and ready for shipment

The Q-Chassis, one of the core products of Westwell’s new energy autonomous driving solution -- Qomolo, is manufactured under a high-standard production system. Its structural design and intelligent systems are tailored for multi-scenario container logistics operations in seaports and dry ports, integrating three key advantages -- intelligence, sustainability, and safety.

With proven technical solutions, Q-Chassis has already been deployed in multiple major ports, including CSP Wuhan Terminal, Xiamen Ocean Gate Terminal, Tangshan Port Jingtang Port Area, SPG Rizhao Port, Section C of Tianjin Port's Beijiang Port Area, Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal, Xiamen Port Hairun Terminal, Ceke Road Border Port in Inner Mongolia, etc.

In terms of technical performance, Q-Chassis demonstrates robust capabilities:

- Equipped with Westwell’s self-developed multi-sensor fusion autonomous driving platform, enabling 360-degree environmental perception without the need for magnetic nails.

- Features a high-precision positioning system achieving ±30mm parking accuracy, ensuring precise interaction with other equipments.

- Incorporates multiple safety redundancy systems, including electronic anti-collision LiDAR and mechanical bumpers, ensuring comprehensive operational safety.

Notably, the Q-Chassis adopts a four-axle and eight-wheel dual-drive design, allowing flexible forward and reverse rotation and significantly reducing the turning radius, which could enhance maneuverability in confined terminal areas and address the challenge of navigating heavy vehicles in narrow spaces. Supported by the WellFMS fleet management and dispatching system, the IGV fleet enables intelligent scheduling and route planning, facilitating rapid deployment and 24/7 operation.

Beyond autonomous driving, the IGV employs a pure electric drive platform and an efficient energy recovery system, significantly reducing energy consumption. Combined with planned smart charging and swapping infrastructure, CSP ADT is accelerating the development of a cleaner and more efficient horizontal transport system.

Looking back at the collaboration between Westwell and CSP ADT, the partnership began in 2019 with an intelligent quay crane tally project. In 2021, Westwell’s first batch of new energy autonomous trucks, Q-Truck, was deployed at the terminal, making it the first in the Middle East to operate unmanned container trucks. In the first half of 2025, 12 additional Q-Trucks were put into operation, ensuring stable performance under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and sandstorms. Westwell’s full-stack autonomous driving technology has not only significantly improved container handling and transport efficiency but also reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, supporting the terminal’s green and sustainable development. From January to September this year, CSP ADT’s autonomous trucks handled 156,333 TEUs, demonstrating sustained commercial value through scaled operations.

Image: Westwell Q-Truck operates at CSP ADT

CSP ADT continues to advance its digitalization and automation initiatives. The six IGVs will synergize with ongoing projects, including automated yard equipment upgrades, a 600-meter quay line expansion, and dedicated network construction. The implementation of multiple smart projects is comprehensively enhancing automation coverage and operational efficiency across the terminal’s entire workflow.

The intelligent transformation of CSP ADT holds significant importance for regional economic and trade development. Westwell will join forces with CSP ADT to continue enhancing the Middle East’s logistics infrastructure, thereby contributing to the stable and efficient operation of regional industrial and supply chains.