The Hindu Business Line : New Mangalore Port thrust on IT

Implementation of information technology seems to be high on the agenda of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT). The port, which was a pioneer in implementing the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code and the VTMS (vessel traffic management system), now plans to automate the operations at office and dock levels.

On the cards in this regard are a biometrics-based attendance system, information kiosks for staff members, and networking of all departments.

The NMPT Chairman, Mr P. Tamilvanan, told Business Line that the port already has a VTMS and is the first one to get an ISPS certificate.

Mr M. A. Bhaskarachar, Deputy Chairman, said the port is in the process of online networking of all the departments and the VTMS.

The process of networking is likely to cost Rs 90 lakh, and it will run on a 10-gigabyte backbone. The port, which has floated a tender for this work, has received a good response. The work on networking is likely to be completed within a year.

The NMPT, which has already gone in for computerised allotment of gangs for docks, is now implementing the biometric system of attendance.

In this system, fingerprints will be used to identify the workers. To begin with, the system will be introduced for dockworkers. Based on the results, it may be implemented in the offices also.

There are about 750 workers in the registered cargo-handling wing of the New Mangalore port. They work on a three-shift basis in a day with a strength of 250 per shift.

In the biometrics-based identification system, only the entitled workers will mark their attendance before the commencement of shift duty.

The port has a manpower of around 1,950, including officers, staff and shore labour.

Apart from this, the port also plans to set up kiosks for its employees. However, the work is likely to be taken up after completion of the networking of all departments. The port authorities intend to provide all details regarding the staff members. Information on various employee issues, including salary and leave accounts, will be available at the kiosks. In planning these kiosks, the port authorities seem to have taken a leaf from the Railways' book. Mr Tamilvanan said that the Railways, which has set up kiosks for its users, has also introduced such a system for its staff members.

To provide better facilities to the users, the port is also planning a Web-based EDI (electronic data interchange) at all-India level.

This will help users access the port office from anywhere and file their documents online.

It may be mentioned here that the NMPT was the first to introduce VTMS. A joint consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd and Japan Radio Company had introduced the system in the port during 2002.

The NMPT was the first one to get ISPS certificate among the major ports in the country. It was awarded with this certificate in 2004.

More Stories on : Shipping | Information Technology | Karnataka

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

Stories in this Section
Problems of overcapacity

3PL spending on the rise

New Mangalore Port thrust on IT

ONGC may give shipping cos time to modernise fleet

Cool solutions in the box

Maritime security in dire straits

Kakinada seeks rail connectivity

TN: Permits for more minibuses soon