Techno-driven system set to streamline ocean gateways

DURBAN went live as the pilot site for the internally-groundbreaking web-based Integrated Port Management System (IPMS) on Sunday, 26 July, with resounding success.

The Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) system, which aims to increase access to information and link up all ports of call in logistics, is set to transform the industry.

Heralded as a ‘smart people’s port’, the IPMS is a digital system that allows everyone from port officials, to shipping agents to truck managers to have access to live updates in order to make informed decisions.

“The purpose is to create transparency in all processes. We need to share information because we want regularity in the shipping industry, like there is in airline flights. We want people to be able to know when and where a ship will be calling to port and make informed decisions,” said TNPA’s Mmutle Lentle.

“Before Sunday, all processes were people-managed and required manual input. This new system will create a single platform for uniformity of information and ease of access, meaning reduced waiting times and a big gain in reduced paper usage. There will be a real time integrated view in South Africa transport from sea to port to pipeline to rail and road,” he added.

The first ship to use the system was the crude oil tanker, Colorado. It was successfully monitored throughout its transactions with the Durban Port and all actions were logged through the online system. Markers in the port sent alerts to the system of the vessel’s location, allowing all stakeholders to keep track.

“An added benefit will be managing truck staging areas. With the new system you will be able to see when cargo will be available for pick up and therefore when to send the trucks, meaning trucks don’t have to wait around unnecessarily,” said Lentle.

The project, which TNPA estimates will cost about R78-million to roll out at all its ports, is the first in the world to be integrated across multiple ports on a single platform. It will link to Transnet Freight Rail’s Integrated Train Plan and Train Execution Management System along with the Lloyds Register, AIS (for vessel traffic management), IPOSS (for weather), Electronic Data Interchange and SAP (for business operations, customer relations and finance) to allow for real time management.

“Since 2008, various feasibility studies were undertaken where we identified the need for an automated and web-based system to improve port operations, strengthen efficiencies and enhance competitiveness. This online system will help transform our ocean gateways into smartPORTs by using advanced information technology that will make them more intelligent and sustainable, while conserving resources, time, space and energy,” said TNPA chief executive, Richard Vallihu.

“My role as an agent is to make sure ships are in and out of the port as quick as possible because time is money. With IPMS we will be able to use our smart phones or tablets while we’re out and about to update the system and get acknowledgment from TNPA on the spot with regards to sailing or berthing of vessels,” added Yugen Reddy of Sharaf Shipping Agency.

The system will be set up in Cape Town, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura, East London, Richards Bay and Mossel Bay following the Durban launch.