Benefits of a collaborative approach
A significant expenditure on software is not always required for optimising berth scheduling, says PortVision's Dean Rosenberg.
"In some cases, implementation of processes and deployment of low-cost collaborative systems - often delivered over the Web - can have significant pay-offs in increased efficiency and decreased costs, including the cost of delay," he says.
PortVision is a web-based service that provides real-time visibility of vessel movements within a port to all authorised stakeholders. The data is gathered from the AIS signals transmitted by all vessels over 300 gt."The system allows all key personnel to have near-perfect information about current vessel locations, not just in a specific berth but in all port terminals, layby berths and even the sea buoy," says Mr Rosenberg.
"This visibility allows port stakeholders to enhance communications and achieve better decision-making through the use of objective, real-time data."
An example of the value of collaborative, web-based software can be found in the Sabine-Neches waterway in southeast Texas, he says. "Four major users of the waterway funded an initiative to provide PortVision to all stakeholders who do business in ports and terminals along the waterway.
"The results from the enhanced transparency and collaboration have been compelling, with some terminals documenting savings that exceed $1.5m per year."
