LINKING SHIPS TO BEST SERVICES
SEAINTEL Maritime Analysis has launched an information portal which supplies status updates on Cape Town Container Terminal and other major container centres throughout Africa.
The concept is based on a Google Map of Africa showing the status of Africa’s top 50 container ports at any one time and is updated by local editors. It is designed to help importers, exporters, traders and forwarders with information for decision making.
The site www.portoverview.com was launched following two months of live operation, collecting status reports on Africa’s 50 top container terminals and related logistics infrastructure.
The concept of the portal was codeveloped together with Appropri- ate Communications, an agency focusing on maritime and logistics PR in emerging markets.
Bronwen Kausch, communications and technology manager at the Cape Chamber of Commerce, said having real-time access to information is exceptionally valuable to businesses
DELAYS TRANSLATE INTO IMMEDIATE COST INCREASES WHICH THEN SIGNIFICANTLY RAISE THE RISKS
moving products from place to place.
“The move towards using augmented reality (a live view of the real world which has been augmented with graphics, sound etc) in the logistics world is gaining traction.
“This is especially so when delays translate into immediate cost increases and which significantly raise risks.”
Kausch added that with any web offering, if the users don’t see value, “they simply won’t make use of the service”.
Lars Jensen, CEO of SeaIntel, said Africa has made some significant steps forward. “We have seen an influx of international terminal operators, carriers, supply chain solution providers as well as a host of new entrepreneurs from all parts of the world.
“Many ports face significant capacity challenges as well as the urgent need to improve hinterland connec- tions to and from its emerging markets. The portal has been designed to empower importers, exporters, traders and forwarders with information in order for them to take proactive decisions on how to move their cargo for their customers.”
Victor Shieh, managing partner in Appropriate Communications, said: ”In the first week of January 2013 we have seen disruptions in the supply chain due to civil disturbances outside a terminal, heavy rainfall leaving a major hinterland connection broken, the reversal of a planned change in customs clearance procedures and a tropical cyclone carrying 120km/h winds.”
They have also seen a record improvement in productivity of one operator and a $ 185 million investment by a Chinese company.