Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) can drive cost efficiencies through vessel and berth management. Instead of manually allocating berths, a TOS enables the terminal operator to receive the vessel plan from the ship operator before it arrives. Real-time data from various sources, such as AIS and cargo information, is integrated to automatically schedule, assign and adjust berths based on continuous feedback. For example, a vessel may be delayed in its arrival due to bad weather. The TOS combines this information with other data on the berths, cargo onboard, loading time required, and other factors and determines the most suitable berth position. This reduces vessel idling, improves turnaround times, and minimises the risk to perishable cargo that requires specific storage.
A TOS also enables information on cargo stacking onboard the vessel to be shared with the next terminal. This means that when the vessel arrives at its next destination, the operators will already know how the cargo is placed and can optimise their equipment to facilitate smooth unloading Another important aspect of terminal workflows is gate operations and management. Vehicles, such as trucks, must be monitored when arriving and departing the terminal to ensure safe and compliant operations. Manually monitoring these vehicles is time consuming and prone to human error.
However, a TOS can make use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to trace and track the vehicles carrying the cargo in real-time. A TOS can capture data at different points of the vehicle’s movement to and from the terminal and feed this between other operational areas, allowing them to see where the vehicle is located, its progression, and whether they will need to make any modifications if the vehicle is held up. This reduces the waiting times of trucks at the gates. Not only does this increase operational efficiency, but it also helps to reduce pollution from idling vehicles.
In the Port of Gdynia, Poland, before an automated gate system was implemented via TOS, truck drivers had to park their vehicles and take a handful of documents to the office to be verified. A clerk then had to inspect the cargo or container they carried, print a ticket, and show the trucker’s paperwork to a security officer, a process which often took over half an hour. The development of a completely paperless fully automated and integrated gate system reduced the gate transaction time from 30 minutes to just three minutes, allowing reports to be generated in half the time, more trucks to pass, and a reduction in daily surges and traffic jams during peak times.
Overall, TOS are pivotal in driving cost efficiencies and operational enhancements within terminals. By automating vessel and berth management, TOS reduces vessel idling, improves turnaround times, and mitigates risks for perishable cargo. Additionally, TOS facilitate seamless information exchange between terminals, optimising equipment usage and cargo unloading. Real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities also streamline gate operations, reducing waiting times for vehicles and enhancing overall efficiency. The success of the Port of Gdynia underscores the transformative impact of TOS, with substantial reductions in transaction times and traffic congestion. As terminals navigate cargo management complexities, TOS remain indispensable for driving efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in the maritime industry.
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:
