Terminal operators are seeking technology partners that understand this, and can provide solutions that integrate various ‘off-the-shelf’ hardware and software systems and deliver a comprehensive package.

Dave Quennell, a programme manager at Jade Logistics in New Zealand, tells Port Strategy that, in his view, some of the current issues facing terminal operators centre around visibility of information, optimising throughput, making the best use of resources, minimising the risk of disruption, penalties and damage to reputation, and proving return on investment.

“At Jade Logistics,we’re seeing a greater demand for direct access to information from terminal operator’s customers, who want to know what’s going on at the terminals and where their container is at any time.They want to be in control of running their own reports when it suits them and are expecting terminal operators to provide that functionality as part of their services,”he explains.

Jade Logistics believes that there is also an increased need for better reporting internally, with a focus on improving productivity using Key Performance Indicators and real-time dashboards showing port activities.

“Management want to see where the operational choke points are and when they are likely to occur, but they are also keen to receive suggestions on how to resolve them and keep things running not only smoothly but optimally too,” says Mr Quennell, noting that, in addition, terminal operators are moving away from using proprietary data networks for their radio data terminals towards using mobile data terminals running on public cellular telecommunications 3G networks. “That way, they are not tied into a costly network which they have to maintain, and can choose to change supplier at a later stage if preferred,” says Mr Quennell.

Fellow software solutions company, US-based Navis, highlights a new gate and yard automation system it will implement at Georgia Port Authority’s (GPA) Garden City Terminal in Savannah, Georgia. The Automated Terminal Asset Management System will automate gate and yard processes, identifying and tracking containers, automating container handling processes within the terminal. The gate automation system includes the application of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, combined with an RFID reader network and optical character recognition system.In the yard,a GPS-based solution will be used to track the precise location of containers and automate the operation of equipment in the container storage areas.

In the next 10 years, GPA is expecting container volume to jump from more than 2m teu to more than 6m teu a year, and the system will help make the port more efficient and secure by allowing shipping lines and the US Customs Service and Coast Guard to know exactly where cargo is.