New system makes port ops ‘smarter’
Port Authority launches R79-million state-of-the-art management technology.
A SOPHISTICATED new integrated port management system (IPMS) will now allow the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to run a tighter ship at the Richards Bay harbour.
The R79-million web-based IPMS system went ‘live’ on 26 November, with passenger vessel MS INSIGNIA welcomed as the first ship brought to shore using the ‘smartPORT’ technology.
The software screens all port activities on the supply chain in real time and measures terminal delays, berth occupancy, truck turnaround times, availability of marine pilots and tugs as well as ship departing times, allowing controllers to minimise interruptions and delays.
IPMS was developed by Navayuga Infotech, a company based in India, in collaboration with their South African partner Nambiti Technologies.
Since it was first introduced to the Port of Durban in July, more than 300 vessel agents have registered onto the system and more than 1 600 vessel arrival notifications have been submitted across all eight ports.
TNPA CEO Richard Vallihu said he is pleased to see the completion of this strategic project with an aim to support the broader objectives of the Transnet Market Demand Strategy.
‘This journey began in 2008 and is the culmination of various feasibility studies where we identified the need for an automated and web-based system to improve port operations, strengthen efficiencies and enhance competitiveness.
‘IPMS was benchmarked against Malaysian and Singaporean ports which were among the world’s most efficient.
‘It is a ground-breaking initiative in that for the first time in the world, a system such as this is integrated across multiple ports on a single platform.’
Richards Bay Port Manager Preston Khomo added IPMS would bolster transparency and efficiencies in the port while enabling business continuity for port customers, visitors and general stakeholders.
