Associated British Ports (ABP) has become the first ports group in Europe to use eMPX, the new digital Master Pilot Exchange programme developed by Ports of Auckland.
According to ABP, eMPX is designed with cutting-edge technology and provides pilots with an entirely digital experience. The programme will assist ABP marine pilots in guiding ships of all shapes and sizes into safe harbours.
Using an iPad, pilots will be able to monitor and control vessels’ arrival at ports, with the ability to update the plan if a ship is delayed. Data can also be stored and made available for the future.
The Port of Auckland’s cloud-based service is already in use at ports in New Zealand and Australia.
“Not only does this simplify the process in terms of a paper-to-digital process, but we will now be in a position to send ships information about their planned passage ahead of time, which all contributes to better bridge resource management as well as providing our customers with better information,” said James Clark, Technical Authority Marine for ABP.
Jason Ranston, Business Manager of Ports of Auckland, added: “ABP’s ports represent eMPX’s first step into Europe as a software provider, and we are excited to have ABP join a growing global community of marine pilots dedicated to the enhancement of our master pilot exchange system.”
The use of eMPX at ABP’s ports is part of its long-term vision for digitalisation. The group plans to roll out eMPX in its other 20 ports by the end of 2022.
Back in August last year, ABP invested a further (£4 million) $5.52 million in the Port of Garston, Liverpool. The investment followed the expansion project at the port in early 2021, delivering additional covered and external storage.
