The Hindu Business Line : New system at Kochi box terminal operational

THE Navis system for container terminal management, which will enable the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal (RGCT) to offer complete real-time automation of processes from ship to gate, has become operational.

The sophisticated system, which consists of two software components `SPARCS and Express' will help increase productivity, security, accuracy, lower costs thereby enabling better customer service at the Kochi terminal.

In a press statement issued here, DP World, the terminal operator, said the commissioning of the new software is part of an initial $20 million investment made by the company to improve the operations at RGCT.

The Navis system will enable the capture of real-time information regarding the status of containers at the terminal, from its exact physical location to customs clearance status.

Practically, customers will no longer have to send staff into container yards to manually verify container positions thereby improving health and safety standards and avoiding costly time delays. Furthermore, the system reduces planning time and increases throughput by optimising berth space, giving faster vessel turnaround.

DP World had implemented the system in three weeks time.

It had already installed Oracle Financial Systems to improve customer billing.

The next stage in this suite of upgrades will be the opening of the export pre-staging yard by the end of this month, the release added.

Mr Suresh Joseph, General Manager and CEO, India Gateway Terminals, said the implementation of Navis at Kochi marks a significant improvement in customer services and would boost productivity tremendously.

The benefit of Navis Software to the customer would be immense and the company is keen to keep improving the services to the customer for mutual benefit and growth. The opening of the pre-staging yard by the end of this month would also pave way for a smooth, seamless operation from yard to ship and vice-versa, he added.

Mr Mohammed Sharaf, CEO of DP World, said the setting up of new facilities clearly demonstrates DP World's commitment to the rapid development and upgrade of the RGCT facility in the short term and the Vallarpadam terminal in the long-term.

"India is strategically one of the core focus markets for DP World. It is important for us to capitalise on its rapidly growing economy by continuously investing in the people, infrastructure and the IT systems that help run the facility.

"The implementation of the Navis system at RGCT is part of DP World's constant drive to enhance performance in those areas that benefit our customers," he said.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
IA to take 12 aircraft on dry lease

Malaysia Air to fly daily between Delhi, Kuala Lumpur

IA to raise domestic fares by 10 pc from October 18

New tonnage tax regime — Shipping Ministry takes hard stand on fleet acquisition clause

NMPT cargo handling up 12 pc in H1

New system at Kochi box terminal operational

Tuticorin port cargo handling up

Foodgrains body plea on rail tariff norm

Iron ore operators in Dakshina Kannada seek higher rentals