Pilot tracking platform

Users of the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Harborlights Vessel Tracking system have been successfully migrated to PortXChange Products’ PilotTracker platform.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Houston is one of the world’s largest ports. “The port of Houston has grown to be the top US port by trailblazing better processes, infrastructure and technology,” said Captain Bill Diehl, president of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.

“The improved data transparency from PilotTracker increases business predictability, making this an essential step forward for us to remain efficient and globally competitive.”

PilotTracker was developed in partnership with GHPB and the Houston Pilots six months after the announcement of a five-year digitalisation partnership. It integrates with the pilot’s booking system, for real-time updates on vessel movement information and filtering functionality, port closure status updates, booking agent information, vessel information, and terminal and berth restrictions.

Data sharing

PilotTracker allows marine exchanges, port authorities or pilot organisations to share pilot scheduling and vessel movement information to port communities and their customers. The information provided is vital to all stakeholders in the maritime supply chain, whether it be a ship operator, terminal operator or nautical service provider.

Terminals and agents who use PilotTracker already represent 62% of vessel arrivals in the port of Houston. PortXchange and GHPB plan to invite others to the PilotTracker platform and are also working to bring the platform to more ports across the US.