The first to manage multiple sites from one location in 2009, TPT now manages all of its marine terminals from a central location providing a base for long-term benefits including improved planning, increased container volumes and productivity, and improved customer service. 

TPT implemented SPARCS N4 as part of a large scale investment in terminal infrastructure, including automating container handling and gate automation. The centralized SPARCS N4 system, based at TPT’s main data centre in Durban, enables TPT to reduce overhead associated with purchasing and running multiple systems versus a single back-end system. Furthermore, TPT can now better manage and standardize customer-facing processes, and improve the customer experience through real-time access to terminal information and reduction of paper-based processes.

“Our overarching goal at TPT is to improve volumes and productivity levels, and SPARCS N4 is certainly an enabling factor in allowing us to work more efficiently and in an integrated manner,” said Mark Wootton, Executive Manager, ICT at Transnet.  “Once the last site in Durban gets through its current stabilization phase, our customers will continue to realize the benefits of our multi-site management, including real-time information and streamlined operations.”

SPARCS N4 is the next generation TOS designed to grow with the customer at the lowest possible total cost of ownership. It allows customers the flexibility and scalability they need to run their operations – from a single terminal to multiple terminals across multiple geographic locations, all within a single instance. With SPARCS N4, Transnet will be able to continuously adapt the technology to work with its future operations.

Looking ahead, TPT will focus efforts on extending SPARCS N4 into Transnet’s rail operations, allowing for better integration between rail and port operations. The first rail terminal is currently planned to go live in 2012, followed by approximately 13 other rail terminals across South Africa. Transnet is also considering introducing some of Navis’ advanced modules, including Navis AutoStow and Navis Prime Route.

“We chose and plan to continue our relationship with Navis because of its proven industry leadership and advanced technology that will work into the future to integrate our port and rail operations and, ultimately, provide better service to our customers,” added Wootton.

“Transnet has been a great partner for Navis and we are pleased that we have established a relationship with one of the most advanced operations in the world,” said Bill Walsh, president and CEO of Navis, LLC. “Transnet is leading the industry with their bold vision to centralize the management of all their operations. We will continue to work closely with them to ensure the multi-site system delivers enhanced productivity and efficiency beyond its previous levels.  We look forward to providing even more operational functionality and visibility as Transnet begins to integrate their rail operations with the marine terminal operations.”

Total trade increased 0.8% to reach 26.7 million tonnes year-to-date, also driven by strong growth in imports (up 4%). Significant growth was recorded in imports of iron and steel, timber, fertiliser and chemicals, and paper and wood pulp. Exports decreased 2.1% overall, but cotton, meat products, and iron and steel all recorded strong growth. The January floods are showing minimal effects on trade so far, with a slight drop in some bulk commodities, like coal, that were significantly affected by rail closures.

Portek is a turnkey port services and solutions provider as well as an operator of container terminals of up to 350,000 TEU and multi-purpose ports. ICTSI is an international operator of common user container terminals serving the global container shipping industry. Portek is listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

Enrique K Razon Jr, Chairman and President of ICTSI, said, “Our offer represents an attractive proposition to Portek shareholders to realise the value of their investment in cash and at a substantial premium to the historical traded prices of the Shares. We strongly believe that the offer reflects the value of the combined business and management of the Portek and ICTSI.”