JNPCT migrates its Terminal Operating System to Globally acclaimed SPARCS N4 from Navis

NAVI MUMBAI: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT), Port owned and controlled by JN Port Authorities has migrated its Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) to SPARCS N4 platform developed by Navis – a Global leader in developing Terminal Operating Systems having presence since almost three decades.

The process of digitization to enhance the efficiency of JNPCT is a brainchild of Deputy Chairman Shri Neeraj Bansal, IRS.

On 11th October 2017, Shri Anil Diggikar, IAS, inaugurated this migration process to SPARCS N4 platform of Navis at an event held in Mumbai in the presence of Shri Neeraj Bansal, Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Chief Manager (Traffic), Shri S. V. Madabhavi, Chief Manager – Port Planning and Development, Capt. Amit Kapoor, Deputy Conservator, and other JNPT officials besides Ms See Jean Lau, Regional VP (Customer Experience) from Navis.

Capt. Umesh Grover of CFSAI and Capt. Ram Iyer from MANSA were also present during the inauguration event.

Shri Anil Diggikar described Digitization as need of the hour to improve the overall port efficiency that aides the Ease of Doing Business initiative. With this globally acclaimed operating system developed by Navis, he said, it will significantly improve the efficiency of JNPCT and is a revolutionary step in right direction.

He also pointed that JNPT & Mumbai Port are under the process of upgrading a comprehensive PCS (Port Community System) for the benefit of the trade along with stressing that most of the parameters to increase the port efficiency as suggested by Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) that was appointed by the Ministry of Shipping last year have already been implemented in JNPT.

It has always been the endeavour to implement all kind of reforms at JNPT to facilitate Ease of Doing Business including digitization process, he further added.

Shri Neeraj Bansal also described digitization as the way to look forward and termed technology as a tool that helps in achieving higher efficiency. With TOS being the back bone of any Container Terminal, having a robust operating system helps in improving the overall efficiency of a terminal. So the migration to this most advanced TOS developed by Navis will enhance the overall efficiency of JNPCT and provide more value to the trade, he added.

Commenting on challenges forward on this migration process, he initially asked the JNPT team handling this new process to be more cautious and focussed besides understanding each and every features of this new software carefully in order to scale JNPT to international standards going forward. He also urged the trade representatives to provide their valuable feedback on this new process to the Port Authorities in the initial stages as they are well versed with best global practices adopted elsewhere worldwide. 

Finally he reaffirmed JNPT's commitment in creating more value for the trade by providing more cost-competitive services thereby reforming the entire economy wherein exports become more competitive globally and imports cheaper, helping the common man of the Country.

Ms. See Jean Lau dwelled upon the key highlights of the new Navis' software in her presentation along with brief pedigree of the company.

Earlier, Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair said how this digitisation drive at JNPT will make it into top international ports by enhancing its efficiency. He also said the 17 people from the port have taken the training into this migration process. These team of 17 people from JNPT were felicitated by Port Chairman during the event. He applauded and complimented Shri Diggikar and Shri Bansal for their dynamic leadership in initiating and supporting this migration.

Capt. Umesh Grover from CFSAI in his address said that he was not at all surprise with this new initiative given the fact that the trade was expecting such initiatives under the dynamic leadership of Shri Diggikar and Shri Bansal ahead of the commencement of the fourth terminal by the end of this year.

He also greatly appreciated the tall feat of achieving Zero congestion at JNPT since last year under this dynamic leadership and expected more such initiatives going forward.

Capt. Ram Iyer of MANSA commenting on this development said that JNPT has created another milestone and added another feather in its cap by migrating into the latest processes adopted globally. He also applauded other pro active initiatives taken by the Port Authorities earlier aiding in Ease of Doing Business at JNPT.

Source: Dailyshippingtimes.com