Ports and maritime entities with their complex operations have evolved in the last decade to smart hubs with the technology as their enabler. Digitalization profoundly influences every aspect of maritime transport and logistics. The competitiveness of ports hinges on their capacity to seamlessly integrate into digital networks and information chains. This necessitates the adoption of modern technology platforms and system architectures, along with the requisite means and prerequisites for integration. Technological innovation plays a key role in developing solutions to these challenges. Port Community System (PCS) is a good example of the same.
Kale’s CODEX – Port Community System is a United Nations award winning innovative platform developed to not only bring together the stakeholders of the maritime sector onto a single platform but also facilitate government-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-business transactions in a highly secured environment. Customs, Port authorities, forwarders, shippers, shipping lines, terminal operators, inspection agencies, haulers, and railway operators – all of these, and more, need access to smart, real-time information. The platform provides the business community with a streamlined process for submitting export and import information to customs and other government agencies and exchange information amongst themselves.
CODEX framework enables two distinct elements currently missing from existing PCS’s. The first part is the enablement of Smart Apps for SMEs in Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokering, Trucking, Warehouse operations and Empty/Laden Container Depots. These solutions empower the SME players in the value chain to automate their internal business processes in an end-to- end manner. This PCS 3.0 enables EDI exchange in UN/EDIFACT format with the stakeholder and enables deep tech like Blockchain/AI/ML in solving the inefficiencies present in the current portal-based exchange of documents and visibility.
Synchronizing land and port side operations
Ihe inland component of the port system has become a key factor in shaping performance and competitive strategies of seaports. Reported inefficiencies in ports indicate that landside logistics operations are far behind their optimal efficiency, with most observed malfunctions (unproductive moves, congestion, delays, etc.) taking place at inland and intermodal port interfaces. This calls for integration of land and portside operations with a robust digital infrastructure with Port Community System. CODEX connects the two to make operations linked and provides end-to-end visibility to all stakeholders.
Vessel & Harbour Marine : Shipping line declares the vessel and voyage with the port/terminal authorities. Based on the declaration the port/terminal allots the VCN. Shipping Line requests for berthing/Un berthing/pilotage services with Port/Terminal. Approval and allotment of berth/captain done by Port/Terminal.
e-FAL: Ports can capture advance information in electronic format for vessel arrival, stay & departure.
e-DO: Agent can request DO online for multiple carriers on a single platform. Payments, issuance, re-validation are carried out electronically.
Container Booking: Agent requests empty containers from shipping line based on which the liner approves and assigns empty container location and released CRO (container release order).
Terminal Slot Management: Provision to configure and book slots as per calendar days and time on fingertips. Helps in by 35% of Gate congestion reduction.
e-VGM: Works as a stand-alone SaaS based Web application with SOLAS compliance. Allows EDI inbound submission as VERMAS, or (IFTMIN) EDI messages or XML equivalents.
Track & Trace (Vessel, Cargo & Container): Access to real-time container status events and alerts.
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO), to simplify ocean trade and reduce the unnecessary delays in maritime traffic announced a new rule i.e. FAL Convention which is mandated from Jan 2024. Maritime Single Window (MSW) from Kale is designed and built as per the guidelines of IMO. A highly scalable system enables public and private authorities to combine or coordinate the electronic transmission of the data to ensure that information is submitted or provided only once and reused to the maximum extent possible. The platform connects Shipping Line/Agents, Ports, Customs, Immigration, Port Health Authorities, Coast Guards/VTS, Maritime Authorities, and other Regulatory Authorities in a single window to exchange seamless information. The platform calls for standards, recommended, practices and rules for simplifying formalities, documentary requirements and procedures between all actors involved in sea-side operations.
Also, it can be integrated with any Port Community System (PCS), Port Operating System (POS) and even Terminal Operating System (TOS), Customs’ system and other regulatory systems with simple API integration.
