In the dynamic global trade landscape, efficient cargo handling at terminals is essential to avoid costly delays and maintain the flow of goods. Swift storage and easy access of cargo ensure timely loading onto vehicles, preventing disruptions like charter party claims, demurrage penalties, and terminal congestion. To optimise operations, terminals must address underutilised spaces, poor planning and adapt to changing trade patterns. Additionally, the rise of digital systems in the maritime industry highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect data and ensure operational integrity.
When cargo arrives at a terminal, it needs to be stored until it is ready for loading onto the next vehicle. When the time comes for it to be moved, rapid identification and location of the cargo is essential to avoid delays to a ship’s voyage, which could result in charter party claims, demurrage penalties, and congestion. To reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain, there is often more cargo supplied than in demand. Surplus cargo that arrives at a terminal therefore requires the yard to store it until it is needed.
In general cargo terminals today, yard and jetty space is often underutilised, leading to inefficient storage of goods and a reduction in throughput capacity. Poor planning and scheduling of yard space is often the catalyst for inefficient space utilisation. The growing trend for larger vessels and increasing flow of goods requires more efficient management of available space.
Often larger spaces are required to support fast discharge processes using specialised handling equipment before a staged put-away process shifts cargo to the appropriate storage area. This leads to a reduction in the utilised space in general cargo terminals and multipurpose ports. One of the biggest challenges facing terminals today is the constant change in global trade patterns. This is influenced by economic developments, trade policies, and consumer demand.
General and bulk terminals are required to adjust to changes in trade volumes, including variations in the types of goods transported. There’s a growing trend towards containerised cargo, meaning that general cargo terminals are competing with container terminals. General cargo terminals must also compete against each other for spot cargo. Kunal Singh, a Solutions Architect for Kaleris, told Thetius whilst speaking on our latest report, “Gateways of Tomorrow”, that a vessel may visit your terminal today with some spot cargo, but you have to compete to win this vessel again for the next visit.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern across the maritime industry, including the ports and terminals sector. Recent research by Thetius found that the average price paid for a ransom is $3.2 million. As terminals become more digitised and digitalised and there is more data flowing between systems, the opportunity for cyberhackers to infiltrate and obtain access to confidential data widens. As well as the financial threat, there is also a growing concern that a cyber attack will affect the reputation of a terminal.
Overall, the efficient handling of cargo at terminals is paramount in sustaining the smooth flow of goods in the ever-evolving global trade landscape. Addressing issues such as underutilised spaces, poor planning, and adapting to shifting trade patterns is essential for optimising terminal operations. Moreover, as digital systems become increasingly prevalent in the maritime industry, robust cybersecurity measures are imperative to safeguard data integrity and protect against potential cyber threats. By prioritising these aspects, terminals can mitigate costly delays, prevent disruptions, and maintain their competitiveness in the global market.
For a more detailed understanding and exploration of the topics covered in this article, refer to our report, commissioned by Kaleris. Gateways of Tomorrow: Exploring the business value of digital transformation for general cargo terminals. You can download the full report below:
