Ctg port to introduce CTMS for automated container handling
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Chittagong Port is going to introduce computerised Container Terminal Management System (CTMS) in a bid to streamline its operations, reports UNB.
"Once implemented, the project will boost its capacity as a world-class port in the truest sense. It'll be nice to have more technological development," a port official said.
As part of the government's port modernisation plan, the project titled 'Container Terminal Management System' is likely to be implemented by the middle of 2010 bringing all container terminals under a single network that will surely bring wider facilities for the port users through ensuring transparency in all steps of container delivery, officials said.
The officials said the system would automatically monitor the entire process of container delivery - from arrival to release - apart from preparing invoice bills.
They said the port users or owners of containers would be able to pay bills from their offices through the online system.
ST Electronics, Singapore, Navis America and Psion Teklogix are jointly working on the technology-based project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Navis, the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS) and improve productivity, velocity and visibility of cargo movement through port, has been assigned to do the major job.
CTMS is a total system package developed on the basis of technology through system integration for container terminals using information technology. The most optimal system is available by configuring sub-systems and modules to match any scale of container terminal.
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Commodore RU Ahmed told the news agency that the system would make the port operation more efficient and ensure cent per cent transparency in container handling.
"We've made a good progress and hope the project will be implemented by the middle of 2010 and it'll ensure a more competitive and attractive container terminal operation," he said.
The project director (PD) willing not to be quoted said the system, if implemented, would reduce the vessel turn-around-time though improved ship operation efficiency. "The vessel turn-around-time is now 2.4 days and it'll come down to below one day if the project is implemented," he said.
He said the CPA signed an agreement on March 25 this year and deadline for the project implementation is December 2010.
Replying to a question, the PD said the project might have been implemented well before the set deadline.
Describing wider facilities of the modern system, he said it would help ensure quick response to a wide variety of client inquiries, eliminate wireless voice communication between office clerks and crane drivers, share accurate and reliable information, reduce data entry work and streamline work flow.
He said the project involved 3.9 million euros to be funded by ADB while 1.8 million euros had been earmarked for four years maintenance of the system after expiring one-year guarantee. The port authority would provide the cost for the four-year maintenance.
Among the three assigned companies, Psion Teklogix while Canada on networking system, ST Electronics while Singapore on system integration and Navis America will provide the software for the system.
"It's a software-based system. 80 per cent of the system is based on software and the remaining on hardware," the PD said.
Port officials said the groundwork for the project had already been completed and the assigned companies had visited the port several times in this regard.
Currently, Chittagong Port is handling over 1.0 million TEUs containers each year and it has already ensured its entry into the list of the world's millionaire ports by enhancing its capacity.
"Once implemented, the project will boost its capacity as a world-class port in the truest sense. It'll be nice to have more technological development," a port official said.
As part of the government's port modernisation plan, the project titled 'Container Terminal Management System' is likely to be implemented by the middle of 2010 bringing all container terminals under a single network that will surely bring wider facilities for the port users through ensuring transparency in all steps of container delivery, officials said.
The officials said the system would automatically monitor the entire process of container delivery - from arrival to release - apart from preparing invoice bills.
They said the port users or owners of containers would be able to pay bills from their offices through the online system.
ST Electronics, Singapore, Navis America and Psion Teklogix are jointly working on the technology-based project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Navis, the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS) and improve productivity, velocity and visibility of cargo movement through port, has been assigned to do the major job.
CTMS is a total system package developed on the basis of technology through system integration for container terminals using information technology. The most optimal system is available by configuring sub-systems and modules to match any scale of container terminal.
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Commodore RU Ahmed told the news agency that the system would make the port operation more efficient and ensure cent per cent transparency in container handling.
"We've made a good progress and hope the project will be implemented by the middle of 2010 and it'll ensure a more competitive and attractive container terminal operation," he said.
The project director (PD) willing not to be quoted said the system, if implemented, would reduce the vessel turn-around-time though improved ship operation efficiency. "The vessel turn-around-time is now 2.4 days and it'll come down to below one day if the project is implemented," he said.
He said the CPA signed an agreement on March 25 this year and deadline for the project implementation is December 2010.
Replying to a question, the PD said the project might have been implemented well before the set deadline.
Describing wider facilities of the modern system, he said it would help ensure quick response to a wide variety of client inquiries, eliminate wireless voice communication between office clerks and crane drivers, share accurate and reliable information, reduce data entry work and streamline work flow.
He said the project involved 3.9 million euros to be funded by ADB while 1.8 million euros had been earmarked for four years maintenance of the system after expiring one-year guarantee. The port authority would provide the cost for the four-year maintenance.
Among the three assigned companies, Psion Teklogix while Canada on networking system, ST Electronics while Singapore on system integration and Navis America will provide the software for the system.
"It's a software-based system. 80 per cent of the system is based on software and the remaining on hardware," the PD said.
Port officials said the groundwork for the project had already been completed and the assigned companies had visited the port several times in this regard.
Currently, Chittagong Port is handling over 1.0 million TEUs containers each year and it has already ensured its entry into the list of the world's millionaire ports by enhancing its capacity.