Many of South East Asia''s key ports are taking advantage of the sliding box sector to focus attention on non-containerised cargo.
Singapore's Jurong port for one is now focused on improving its conventional cargo IT infrastructure. A spokeswoman says the port's 'General & Bulk Management System' is now being upgraded to include the automation of warehouse applications and billings to enable net and cash card payments at self-service terminals, and the use of Electronic Data Interchange for booking and manifest details.
A 'Cargo Space Planning System' is also being developed to speed up cargo storage planning processes. This is being integrated with the port's 'Berth Planning System' with all information accessible on-line so customers can track cargo, vessel and storage information, with updates also offered via email or SMS. "On-line applications for overnight vehicle, shore crane, forklift parking, line-tow barge parking, reefer container power outlet, hot work and contractor permits are also available," says the spokeswoman.
Malaysia's port of Johor, which saw container volumes post 1% growth to 934,767 teu last year, is also using the economic downturn as a breathing space to pursue the development of non-container and IT services. "The current focus of such development is the 'Multi-Purpose Terminal System' which deals with operations and commercial transactions for non-containerised cargo operations," says a spokesman. "In the future, all systems developed at Johor Port will be integrated into one seamless whole."
The port says it has also now completed the second phase of upgrading work for its Free Zone Information Processing System (FZIPS) which manages free zone transactions and operations at the port.
