Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has unveiled a new Web-based Integrated Port Management System (IPMS) in a bid to alleviate congestion at its ports around the country.
The R79 million system will automate the marine and port operations of the country's eight commercial ports.
The IPMS went live on 26 July at the pilot site, the Port of Durban, with the crude oil tanker, Colorado, the first to be brought into the port using the new system.
"Since 2008, various feasibility studies were undertaken where we identified the need for an automated and Web-based system to improve port operations, strengthen efficiencies and enhance competitiveness," says chief executive at TNPA Richard Vallihu.
This online system will help transform SA's ocean gateways into smartports by using advanced information technology that will make them more intelligent and sustainable, while conserving resources, time, space and energy, he adds.
The system will be available as an app on customers' smartphones and tablets, replacing the manual tracking system.
"We are moving away from transacting on paper and by embracing technology we will gain efficiencies in terms of booking ships and limit errors," says Captain Rufus Lekala, chief harbour master.
Mmutle Lentle, GM at TNPA believes this is the start of one of many initiatives that will see Transnet create visibility within the transport value chain and enablement of the connectedness of the transportation ecosystem ranging from ports, rail and road.
"TNPA has recognised the need to become an advanced port system that creates visibility of ports processes to enable transparency and better integrated planning between all ports stakeholders. This is but a step towards the adoption of a roadmap geared towards the transport value chain modernisation.
According to Vallihu, global ports are adopting smartport concepts and the world is increasingly embracing digital technologies and data analytics to make sense of the information.
The IPMS is benchmarked against Malaysian and Singaporean ports which are among the world's most efficient, says Vallihu.
The Web-based system was developed by Navayuga Infotech, a company based in India, in collaboration with their South African partner Nambiti Technologies.
Navayuga Infotech has designed similar systems for 96 airports and three ports in India.
From Durban, the project team will move to Cape Town and Saldanha, then Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and East London, and finally to Richards Bay and Mossel Bay.
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