Does the system work?

Before coming on site, the hauliers register their lorry consignment details on a simple and streamlined online system. On entering the port, the system will scan the lorry, capturing all details (container number, container size type, hazard placards, bolt seals, container damage) automatically through optical character recognition. It will also scan the licence plate and take a photo of the driver. The driver proceeds to a kiosk, scans the biometric ID card (this work more efficiently, operate smarter and offer sustainable route to market.

This port-centric approach could mean working with customers to offer logistics and warehousing solutions using existing facilities on site, allowing goods to be processed and dispatched to distributors quickly. It might be the facilities that include rail or canal links from port to population hubs and offer cost saving that can’t be obtained elsewhere.

That’s what we are doing with our new container terminal Liverpool2, which will be connected to the national import centre at Port Salford via the Manchester Ship Canal, road and rail. Such developments have also been proposed at locations in Asia

Third, parties should agree on performance measures, use incentives and penalties (on both sides) to drive behaviour and work together to create a culture of continuous improvement.

We have taken a major step forward this year with two key factors of equipment and technology - by installing the Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) and introducing AutoGate at our container terminals. These are both part of an investment of £9.7 million information systems to help deliver faster turnaround times through a streamlined process from landside or quayside entry to exit.