Peter T. Leach, Senior Editor | Jun 26, 2012 5:08PM EDT
Virginia International Terminals implemented new terminal-operating software at the Port of Richmond.
The software, called Navis SPARCS N4, provides real-time data on cargo en route to the terminal operator and shipper and unites the terminal’s entire operating system in a single format and provides critical data, in real time, to its users.
The software enables the terminal operator to get live information on truck and barge moves at the Port of Richmond, which is a barge port leased by the Virginia Port Authority. It is operated by Delaware-based Port Contractors, which has been managing the day-to-day operations at that port since before the VPA leased the facility in 2011 from the City of Richmond.
“Our focus at Richmond was real-time data at the truck gate and pier side using iPads,” said Joe Ruddy, VIT’s chief operating officer. “We’ll be able to transmit and process that data which lets us know current, exact counts on truck moves in and out of the gate and moves on and off the barge. As well, customers with cargo moving across Richmond will know, to the minute, when cargo arrived or departed.”
Richmond is the first marine terminal within the VPA to launch N4. Since 1994, VPA terminals have been using Navis software on legacy systems. The goal, Ruddy said, is to update the systems at the other VPA terminals with N4 and Richmond was a logical start.
“Norfolk International Terminals is much larger [than Richmond] but it has many of the same requirements, so it is a good test and template,” Ruddy said. “We’re focused now on having the update at NIT complete by May 2013 followed by an automated gate and GPS system for locating containers.”
VIT is the VPA’s private, non-stock terminal operating company and oversees the daily operations at Norfolk International Terminals, APM Terminals Portsmouth, Newport News Marine Terminal and Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal.
Contact Peter T. Leach at pleach@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @petertleach.
