Westwell Enables GNSS-Independent Autonomous Operations at CSP Abu Dhabi
Westwell Demonstrates GNSS-Independent Autonomous Operations at CSP Abu Dhabi
As container terminals across the Middle East accelerate their transition toward autonomous operations, the ability of vehicles to determine their position and maintain navigation accuracy without relying on satellite positioning systems is becoming increasingly important.
In March 2026, Westwell, a global provider of AI-powered smart logistics solutions, achieved a new milestone at CSP Abu Dhabi (CSP ADT) in Khalifa Port by successfully operating its autonomous fleet under conditions that did not rely on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
The achievement marks another step forward in the development of smart and autonomous container-handling operations in the region.
Expanding Autonomous Fleet
The latest milestone builds on the automation program implemented by Westwell at CSP ADT. The terminal’s autonomous fleet currently comprises 12 Q-Truck autonomous trucks and six Q-Chassis smart guided vehicles, supporting the terminal’s continued expansion of autonomous driving capabilities.
GNSS-independent operation represents an important advancement for autonomous container-handling systems. Rather than continuously depending on satellite positioning signals, Westwell‘s autonomous vehicles can maintain positioning accuracy and navigate using a combination of onboard sensing and positioning technologies.
The technology has been demonstrated in live terminal operations, including activities associated with quay cranes, as well as container sorting, positioning and yard transportation.
Addressing Regional Operating Challenges
The ability to operate independently of GNSS is particularly relevant to the operating conditions encountered by autonomous equipment in the Middle East. Large terminal environments, high temperatures, sandstorms and other environmental conditions can create additional challenges for autonomous vehicles operating continuously in outdoor environments.
At CSP Abu Dhabi, GNSS-independent autonomous operations use a multi-sensor approach that combines LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), odometry and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). By integrating data from these systems, the vehicles can maintain accurate positioning and navigation without relying on GNSS signals.
This enables the autonomous fleet to continue performing routine terminal operations even when satellite positioning is unavailable or unreliable.
A Long-Term Automation Partnership
The collaboration between CSP Abu Dhabi and Westwell on terminal automation began in 2019, with the introduction of an intelligent tallying system using quay cranes.
In 2021, CSP Abu Dhabi deployed Westwell‘s Q-Truck autonomous trucks, becoming the first port in the Middle East to introduce autonomous container trucks into its operations.
The terminal expanded its autonomous capabilities in 2025 with the deployment of six Q-Chassis smart guided vehicles, marking the first regional project involving this type of vehicle.
Today, these technologies are integrated across a range of terminal functions, including container recognition, quay-side operations and autonomous horizontal transportation.
The continued operation of Westwell‘s autonomous fleet, combined with the deployment of additional automated equipment and the demonstration of GNSS-independent navigation, highlights the ongoing development of autonomous container-handling capabilities at CSP Abu Dhabi.
It also demonstrates how advanced sensing and positioning technologies can help container terminals maintain reliable autonomous operations in challenging environments, supporting the Middle East’s broader transition toward smarter and more automated port logistics.
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