ICTSI tapped San Diego, California-based APS Technology Group, Inc. in the implementation of the OCR technology.  ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal was the first in the Group to adapt the technology.  Aside from MICT and CGSA, ICTSI subsidiary in Brazil, Tecon Suape SA, is also set to implement the technology at the Suape Container Terminal in Pernambuco province. 

QCs equipped with OCR devices automatically identify containers improving data accuracy, throughput and security while decreasing overall operating costs.  CGSA uses APS Matchmaker System to automatically associate containers to terminal- owned trucks during hand-off, allowing for work assignment and confirmation without manual intervention.

“Using the APS solution with our new weight capture system has improved our productivity and processing time significantly.  Several time-consuming manual steps have been removed from the process, so throughput is faster and provides a much safer environment,” Jaime Guazhco, CGSA project manager, said.

In addition to the OCR, CGSA has implemented a spreader based system for container weight capture, automatically collecting information in real time, and improving container processing times.  All data from the combined solution is fully integrated to the Navis Sparcs TOS.

With the addition of the OCR and weight capture system, CGSA has created easy steps for customers while improving processing time and productivity.

CGSA is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) a leading port management company involved in the operations and development of 23 marine terminals and port projects in 17 countries worldwide. ICTSI was among the first international terminal operators to take its expertise overseas.

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.

Performance statistics from more than 1,000 vessels are now being inputted into the project’s website – enabling the KPI system to produce informative and meaningful performance measurements for the industry.

Captain Kuba Szymanski, on behalf of the KPI Association, said: “This is excellent progress for the project and indicates a great deal of industry involvement and support. By collating performance data from a wide range of shipping companies we are able to calculate key performance indicators to enable benchmarking against industry averages. The more information we have the more accurate these indicators are which will help to ensure the standards within our industry are kept high.”

Started by InterManager, together with The Norwegian Research Council , Marintek and Wilhelmsen ASA, the Shipping KPI Project  developed standard tools for measuring companies’ and vessels’ performance. Now established as the independent, not-for-profit KPI Association Ltd, the project is working with a wide range of industry stakeholders and aims to develop a standard for ships’ performance measurement that is common to the industry. The data which each company inputs is completely confidential and cannot be accessed by any other user of the service. However, the combined data enables the KPI Project to calculate industry averages to enable companies to benchmark their vessels’ performance.

The KPI Project is a voluntary industry initiative which:

provides user-friendly tools that can more effectively identify areas to focus on for internal performance improvements in companies engaged in ship operation activities

provides a more effective communication platform of ship operation performance to internal and external stakeholders

increases transparency on quality, safety and environmental performance in ship operation

enhances governance in ship operation

The KPI Project is now aiming to include 2,000 vessels in its database by the end of 2012.

Strategically located in south east England, Felixstowe is the United Kingdom’s largest container port and is among the largest in Europe.

GE Energy’s Power Conversion business delivered an entire new ProCrane main hoist AC drive and motor system to replace the existing DCequipment. In addition, GE will upgrade the control and automation system comprising a number of PLCs and an extensive SCADA system.

Container handling at a major strategic port is a business in which reliability isn’t optional—the major assets must remain available 24/7 throughout the year. GE has been contracted to provide an upgrade package comprising of a blend of new equipment and the comprehensive refurbishment of some existing systems in order to help maintain that reliability.

“We were absolutely delighted to have been selected for our first project with the Port of Felixstowe. Our advanced ProCrane AC drive system is in use in a great number of crane applications worldwide,” said Steve Raynor, growth region leader for GE Energy’s Power Conversion business. “Its extreme high-power density and advanced PECe control concept makes it ideally suited to such upgrade projects as its compact size means that it can fit easily into existing equipment spaces without the need for extensive modification. Power Conversion has demonstrated that it has effective engineering and support skills in addition to having advanced equipment—it’s that all-around capability that appeals to our customers.”

Final commissioning of the upgrade project was completed in March 2012.