As ports around the world race to digitise and modernise, Syed Rakin Rahman, Reporter at Port Technology International, sat down with Del Bobish, Chief Operating Officer, at Red Hook Container Terminals (RHCT), to explore how the adoption of Octopi’s cloud-based Terminal Operating System has transformed day-to-day operations for their lean team.
In this exclusive interview, Bobish shares how real-time data, automation, and scalable digital tools have enhanced vessel productivity, improved yard flow, and laid the groundwork for the next generation of smart port operations.
How has Octopi changed RHCT’s daily operations for a lean team like yours?
Octopi has significantly streamlined RHCT’s operations by replacing manual processes (like spreadsheets and paper logs) with a cloud-based Terminal Operating System (TOS). This shift has enabled real-time visibility into cargo movements, equipment usage, and yard operations. For a lean team, this means fewer resources are needed to manage complex logistics, and decisions can be made faster and more accurately.
What drove RHCT’s high vessel productivity, and how did technology help achieve it?
High vessel productivity at RHCT is largely driven by the use of real-time data access and the automation capabilities provided by Octopi.
The platform delivers live updates on vessel discharge and loading, enabling teams to respond quickly to any operational changes. Automation of routine tasks significantly reduces manual entry and potential errors, which in turn accelerates overall processes.
Additionally, Octopi’s planning tools support the pre-planning of yard and crane operations, helping to minimise idle time and maximise throughput across the terminal.
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How are you using real-time data to improve crane use, dwell time, and yard flow?
Real-time data from Octopi enables RHCT to closely monitor crane performance and adjust assignments dynamically as operations evolve. The system also tracks container dwell times, which helps identify potential bottlenecks before they impact productivity.
In addition, Octopi allows teams to visualise the yard layout and container positions, leading to better stacking strategies and a reduction in unnecessary moves throughout the terminal.
In what ways has digital tech empowered your small team and improved collaboration?
Octopi has fundamentally enhanced how our small team operates, enabling us to deliver faster, more reliable service to our customers. With its cloud-based platform, we gain real-time visibility into vessel schedules, yard activity, and gate operations, allowing us to anticipate issues, reduce turnaround times, and keep customers informed every step of the way.
Octopi along with other digital collaboration tools have enhanced communication, facilitated efficient task management, and provided easy and secure access to information. This alignment across operations and administration enables us to respond quickly to customer needs, minimise delays, and maintain a consistently high level of service.
Ultimately, digital technology has empowered our team to work smarter and more cohesively, translating directly into better customer experiences, improved transparency, and greater satisfaction for the partners we serve.
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What’s next for RHCT in cloud-based operations or future tech adoption?
Building upon our digital foundation, we envision enhancing automation by utilising more extensive APIs and webhooks, further streamlining processes such as inventory uploads and voyage notifications. In close partnership with the Kaleris team, we actively collaborate on customising reporting tools to support more advanced forecasting and proactive operational planning.
Further along, we may be exploring the adoption of Artificial Intelligence predictive analytics for maintenance and cargo flow forecasting, real-time equipment health monitoring, tools to monitor emissions and energy use, and enhancements to the customer portal for self-service booking and tracking.
Our focus is on continuing to co-develop scalable, integrated features that anticipate the needs of growing port operations, ensuring we remain agile and competitive in adopting next-generation terminal technology.
Del Bobish is the Chief Operating Officer at Red Hook Terminals, a key maritime logistics hub in the heart of New York City. With over three decades of experience in transportation, logistics, and terminal operations, Del is known for his hands-on leadership and commitment to operational excellence / overall terminal safety.
