The contracts also include the provision of maintenance services for both systems for a period of four years. Work commenced in May and is expected to be completed by December 2010.
The CTMS will allow container terminal operators to achieve accurate tracking of their containers using RFID (radio frequency identification) technology within a secured wireless network. The system will streamline terminal operations by optimising vessel planning and utilisation of yard space and crane resources.
With the CTMS, stowage factors like type and weight of containers, yard constraints and operating strategy are taken into consideration before selection of the best container to load in real-time. It will help reduce planning time by as much as 70 per cent and increase yard productivity and responsiveness to operational challenges.
The system will also assign containers to an optimal position based on business rules and constraints of the terminal, reducing the wastage of yard space due to inefficient decking.
At the same time, real-time monitoring of crane schedules, vessel container moves, vessel activities, and vessel labour assignments will enable vessel planners to achieve more accurate predictions of container movement and completion times, increase productivity and benefit from a more tightly-integrated equipment control.
The MIS involves computerising CPA's internal processes to maximise its efficiency and productivity. By transiting from a manual, paper-based operational system to a transparent expeditious IT system, CPA aims to provide faster ship turnaround and shorter container dwell time, thus reducing shipping and port costs. The system is expected to help Bangladesh enhance its competitiveness as its current shipping and port costs are higher than those of neighbouring ports, according to an ADB Report by Nathan Associates.
"We are excited about this win as it is a good illustration of how technology empowers and improves our customers' processes. We will continue to work towards increasing our market reach as we establish our track record,' said Mr Seah Moon Ming, President of ST Electronics.
