“The management, working culture and skill-sets of container terminals are generally in good shape. But times change, and new technologies are powerfully coming into play”
What are the essential factors implicit in sound port operations?
If we take a top-down view of container terminal operations, everything starts with the management of a terminal. If a strong working culture with operational discipline permeates the functioning of a terminal, then the basic prerequisite is in place for sound container terminal operations. Traditionally, container terminals have operated very independently and have a history of building and maintaining their own equipment. This can still be seen today. The technical skills of container terminal staff are at a very high level and container terminals generally have a strong culture, led by management, of taking responsibility for operations and results.
The management, working culture and skill-sets of container terminals are generally in good shape. But times change, and new technologies are powerfully coming into play. The importance of IT in particular is growing fast. Many container terminals are developing their IT in-house, and doing so successfully. But the pace of IT development is incredibly fast in all industries, including container handling. Automation is a megatrend in all industries, and again, that is no different in container handling. The traditional approach and skills of the container terminal are definitely the basis of sound container terminal operations, but the commercial side the question must be asked: at what point does the IT challenge become so great that a terminal should approach IT and automation specialist companies for help?
A new era in the …
To read full article, download PDF.
