Beirut blazes IT trail

The Lebanese port first implemented the system, developed by Germany-based software supplier INPLAN GmbH, back in 2008, and by 2012, was fully operational. The solution includes the management of the port authority, cargo, terminal operators, real estate, billing and port community.

Faouzi Allam, commercial and IT director at the port told PortStrategy the system came about as the result of expansion and an increase in demand. “Before the system, we worked manually; everything was done on paper.”

The port saw a significant rise in container volume – from 400,000 to 1.1 million teu between 2005 and 2013 – and as a result saw a rise in traffic and congestion, emissions and a lack of storage capacity. As part of its long-term strategy, the port also introduced new equipment, doubled the terminal area and reorganised and restructured operations.

“Paperwork was overloaded and there was a lack of reliability on accurate clearing and billing of goods, so the development of the port and, therefore the introduction of sustainable IT infrastructure and port management software, was necessary,” Mr Allam said.

As a first step, a Cargo Management System (CAMA) was implemented to handle vessel and berth management, as well as general cargo, equipment, warehouses and port services. The IBS billing system was implemented as a second step and a final Real Estate Management module was added to integrate all fields of business.

The solution has resulted in the elimination of congestion, reduced waiting times and emissions and an increase in operational profit by 55%.

Commenting on the recent award, Mr Allam added: “It is the result of our work over the past five years to develop a manual system to an automated system within a short period of time, enabling our customers to manage everything from the office.”

Going forward, Mr Allam told PS there’s plans to expand the container terminal and implement a port community system to “complete the link” with all stakeholders “so we can unify things for our customers”.

Port of Beirut was announced as the winner of the Gold prize for the IT Award at the 29^th IAPH World Ports Conference in Hamburg earlier this month.

The silver award went to Port of Barcelona for its ‘From a paperless port to a smart port’, and the Bronze award to JadeWesserPort for its ‘Smart SC-eBusiness Standardization in the Maritime Port’.