CTMS to be launched in Ctg port Feb 20

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Jasim Uddin Haroon
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Monday announced that it would launch the first-ever container terminal management system (CTMS) from February 20 to provide the quickest services to the port users.
The CTMS is basically a computerised system, which may reduce the port's turnaround time significantly and ensure a hassle-free port operation.
"We've taken preparation to launch the new system from February 20," Enamul Karim, terminal manager of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) told the FE Monday.
The initiative to set up CTMS at the country's chief sea port was taken in 2004, but the authorities failed to implement the system on various grounds, sources said.
However port officials said prime minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the project during the third week of March.
This new system will ensure an international standard of port management and consignees will benefit much from the system, port officials said.
The CPA is implementing the CTMS project at a cost of Tk 380 million funded by manila-based lender ADB.
The US-based Navis, which has provided its CTMS technology to around 70 per cent ports globally, is providing software, while ST Info of Singapore is supplying the devices and other materials for the project.
Psion Teklogis of Canada is working on networking, while local software company DataSoft has been engaged for its maintenance for a period of five years.
Arun Kumar Bhattacharya, deputy project director (computerisation) of the CPA, said it will cover all port users including shipping, freight forwarding and customs clearing agents and even trucks.
He said: "It will reduce human contact sharply."
Mr Arun said: "If an equipment operator keeps a container at a place which is not meant for it, then the programme will instantly give signal."
Mr Enam said searching of containers from thousands of containers will be much easier under the CTMS.