Maersk Hamilton
The Hamilton Superhub includes a 18000m2 integrated coldstore facility and is Maersk's largest infrastructure investment in New Zealand, valued at over $110 million. Getting a return on that investment requires the effective movement of trucks, containers and people, with each able to quickly navigate to their superhub destination, dispense their duties, then move on.
A Large Footprint in Need of Directions
The Supurhub’s expanded footprint called for an expanded wayfinding solution capable of providing efficient directions, primarily for the constant arrivals and departures of large trucks. We knew from experience that any lack of cohesion would be quickly exposed, resulting in confusion and delays for drivers as they stopped to ask Gate Staff for directions or paused for thought. In this scenario, that momentary delay often causes a knock-on effect and creates a bottleneck as other drivers are impacted.
Moving Quickly for Moving Vehicles
We progressed the project from the initial site survey to a solution that allowed for drivers to navigate easily from a moving vehicle. No subcontractors or other parties were involved - we mapped, designed, fabricated and installed everything needed.
Following the Trucks
Our research started at the gatehouse. From there, we observed vehicle movements, noting where drivers slowed, stopped, and turned around. Brake lights illuminating often signified momentary indecision or confusion, and we observed multiple drivers stop before having to find space to turn around, having navigated incorrectly. The same process was then applied to foot-traffic.
From there, we divided a naming and numbering logic for the entire campus. It was applied consistently to gantry, post, and building-mounted signs, and optimised for reading from a distance at real-world traveling speeds.
A Drivers Map to Maersk
The installed system works a living map for drivers that can be easily followed to the chosen destination:
- Gatehouse arrival and check-in signage
- Vehicle routes to docks and loading zones
- Pedestrian routes and safety separation
- Building and office identification
You’ve Reached your Destination
Drivers are now able to route themselves from the entry gate to their chosen destination. No time is lost as they pause or are forced to ask for directions. When schedules are tight, finding the correct loading bay and moving onto the next stop quickly makes a big difference, increasing driver (and company) satisfaction at the superhub. The same applies to foot traffic, which is safely directed to their destination without ever crossing operational areas.
Critically for a growing business, the wayfinding solution we devised is future-proofed and can be easily scaled, ensuring the super-hub remains super easy to navigate should it grow and expand.
End to end.
