Port World reported that the Namibian Ports Authority has invested USD 1.7 million to develop a new container terminal operating system that will meet international standards and improve port efficiency at the Port of Walvis Bay.

Mr Bisey Uirab CEO of Namport said that rising cargo volumes have led the port authority to continuously look for ways to further improve productivity in accordance with service levels expected from a world class container handling port.

He added that the operating system, termed Navis SPARCS N4, will allow the port to benefit from improved yard planning and control, enhanced vessel planning and control, and superior equipment control. It will also enable the port to increase capacity, reduce operating costs and improve customer service.

Navis SPARCS N4 can also optimize vessel stow and dispatch, container movements within the yard and between yard and rail, among others. It can track gate transactions, customer interaction through the use of web technology, management of reefer containers, and billing transactions. The system also has the flexibility to run its operations from a single terminal to multiple terminals across several geographic locations, all within a single system.

Uirab highlighted that Namport's efforts is part of a strategic drive to boost shipping traffic at the Port of Walvis Bay and thus reduce the unit cost for sea freight and total logistics costs.

(Sourced from www.portworld.com)