“We continue to improve MICT terminal operations, especially in areas that woul

d further increase health and safety, productivity, and efficiency, because of the impact of these over the long term.  ICTSI acquires the best available technology in the market to ensure that we provide the best service for internal and external customers at our flagship terminal, MICT,” says Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Asian Region Head and MICT General Manager.

ICTSI teamed up with Australia-based software developer ComOps to implement a workforce management system at the MICT.  Recently, Microster Workforce Management Solution was rolled out and launched in the terminal. 

“We needed a new system that would enable MICT managers to efficiently manage work-related fatigue during peak operations because we value our employees’ wellness.  With Microster, we give an equipment operator a more appropriate, right sized “rostering pattern” that will allow him more time to recover and come back ready for the job.  Our commitment to our workforce is to efficiently allocate teams based on optimal levels of productivity while maintaining high standards of operational safety and occupational health,” he adds. 

The Microster system has advanced capabilities such as accessing self-service information, including manning schedules, and the use of interactive voice response when outside the terminal to update personnel work status.  Due to the automated update features of time and attendance, the system is able to determine the next best available person fit for the shift by aligning skills based on the workload requirement.

Microster, which is integrated into MICT’s Navis terminal operations system, SAP, and timesheet software, has improved visibility of available assets for deployment into the shift with the flexibility to adapt to various terminal conditions.

Headquartered in Manila, ICTSI is a leading port management company involved in the operations and development of marine terminals and port projects worldwide.  The Company was among the first international terminal operators to take its expertise overseas.  ICTSI has received global acclaim for its public-private partnerships with economies divesting of its port assets to the private sector.

“We are extremely pleased by the strength of our August performance,” Foltz said. “Although we set new records in many categories during August, challenges remain in many of the global markets important to future trade volumes.”

Total tonnage in August reached 2.5 million tons, up 8.5 percent over the previous August, an increase of 196,674 tons. For the first two months of FY2014, the GPA has moved 4.74 million tons of freight across all docks, an increase of 219,317 tons, or 4.8 percent.

For the month, the GPA moved 280,873 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs), for a 3.8 percent increase over August 2012. Measured by containers, the GPA moved 156,979 units in August, 30,331 of which were moved by intermodal rail. The rail moves are up 3 percent over the same month in the previous year, when the GPA moved 29,455 intermodal containers.

“The record intermodal volumes are supported by economic and environmental benefits of rail transport,” Foltz said. “Our strong partnerships with CSX and Norfolk Southern have increased our rail participation to over 19 percent of total throughput.

August saw 180,572 truck moves at the Garden City Terminal, another high for the Port of Savannah.

While it was not a record month for bulk cargo, the GPA still achieved significant growth in that sector. Over the four and a half week period, bulk cargo accounted for 188,872 tons, up 51,781 tons or 37.8 percent compared to August 2012. Fiscal year-to-date growth was even more dramatic, rising by 112,000 to reach 363,786 tons of bulk cargo for a 44.5 percent jump compared to the same period in 2012.

“As new and existing customers increase volumes moved through the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, our facilities continue to grow – not only in tonnage and TEUs, but also in their impact on the nation’s economy,” said GPA Board Chairman Robert Jepson.

The contract was won through the competitive tender procedure. This extensive training facility is situated accross three floors and includes more than 140 computers in configuration. The simulation complex was established to meet the latest regulatory requirements and the growing demand in training. As a result of the project, the Estonian Maritime Academy increases its capacity in ship handling training with DNV Class A main bridge simulator with 270 degrees visualization; three secondary bridges with 120 degrees visualization each, all equipped with conventional and Azimuth controls. One of the secondary bridges will be used for DP operator training (DP class 2). ECDIS classroom with 10-trainees capacity will let the Academy conduct training in ECDIS operation in accordance with the latest STCW requirements.

A full mission Engine Room Simulator installed within the project enables training of crews for LCC tankers, Ro-Pax carriers, cruise and container vessels. The main advantage of the new simulator platform is easy reconfiguration, which makes it possible to change between different ship models in just few minutes.

Finally, the GMDSS class equipped with the TGS 5000 software from Transas will enable training to obtain a General Operator Certificate or Restricted Operator Certificate.

This project marks a successful continuation of the partnership between Transas and Estonian Maritime Academy throughout more than ten years.

Featuring a lifting capacity of 64 tonnes and height of 50 metres, the LHM 180 will be an ideal solution for handling cargo on a variety of vessels up to handy size bulk carriers. The crane also features excellent manoeuvrability, allowing it to be operated at a majority of quaysides around the port.

ABP Port Director South Wales Matthew Kennerley said: “ABP Newport is thrilled with the purchase of the new Liebherr crane as it will provide an excellent addition to our cargo handling capability and help the port achieve improved productivity and efficiency across a broad range of cargoes.

“This is another example of ABP’s ongoing investment in South Wales and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of customer service.

“We have been extremely impressed with the outstanding service Liebherr has provided in the delivery and installation of the crane and look forward to conducting business with them again when the opportunity arises.”

Robert Alexander, Sales Engineer at Liebherr Great Britain and Ireland said: “We are proud to be working with ABP at Newport. This new purchase further cements an excellent working relationship and extends our portfolio of cranes at the port. We wish the port every success as they expand their operations and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The new crane will accompany two existing mobile harbour cranes, a range of quayside cranes and handling equipment, which will considerably upgrade ABP Newport’s crane infrastructure and significantly improve port operations.