One of the most critical milestones in Doha Port’s development, the new TOS from Jade will significantly enhance productivity and efficiency at Doha Port which currently uses a paper-based system to manage 400,000 TEU* container movements annually.
Alan Middleton, Vice President Port Services said, “We chose Jade’s JMT Software because of its proven track record in providing reliable and innovative solutions to world class terminals. Qatar’s rapid development and the resulting growth of the Qatari shipping market, require this expertise. The easy configuration and scalability of JMT supports our efforts to increase efficiencies, optimize processes and manage costs as we bring Doha Port operations to the best worldwide standards.”
Millions of tonnes of cargo are expected to pass through Doha Port as Qatar undertakes multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects including new hotels, rapid rail and construction of stadiums in the lead up to the world’s largest sporting event. Tamer Kosber, Project Implementation Manager said, “With a QR 19 Million investment in TOS, Doha Port performance will be better, operations will run more smoothly and efficiently, so that we can offer our customers better service”.
Alan Middleton added that “The terminal operating system (TOS), scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2012, will allow Doha Port to support increasing container and general cargo volumes, while meeting international standards for terminal operations.”
In addition, Milaha has also implemented a Wi-Fi system at the port with the assistance of Aruba. Noting the inherent difficulties of implementing wireless technology in ports, due to radio frequency challenges, Kosber added, “We were familiar with Aruba’s expertise in wireless implementations at a number of different terminals. Aruba has a strong reputation in the port sector, which has specific requirements in terms of the reliability of the wireless network. The Wi-Fi project at the Doha Port was implemented successfully without too many teething troubles.”
Milaha commenced a training program last month for its Super User employees, in coordination with Jade. The intensive training program aims to build key skills of employees to use the TOS system and prepare them in turn to cascade all the system knowledge gained from the training to other port employees. End user training is expected to be concluded by end of April.
Doha Port staff will use handheld computers at the entry and exit gates for trucks and enter the required data for each incoming container. Documentation required for container pick-up will be printed on the spot. Truck drivers park in lanes, each with a unique number. Each straddle carrier is equipped with an LXE half-screen vehicle-mounted computer, which displays the container to be taken from the truck or ship and where the container has to be placed.
Milaha expressed special thanks and appreciation to Qatar Ports Management Company, Qatar Customs, Doha Port Police and ICTQatar in ensuring the success of this important milestone.
* TEU twenty foot equivalent transport container.