NST, December 23rd, 2002- The introduction of the New Generation Conventional Cargo System (NGCCS) has spearheaded a new operating concept in the management of conventional cargo terminals at Westport.

NGCCS handles import, export and transshipment documentation; receiving berth application and planning of berth assignment; tug and pilot deployment; and billing of marine and cargo charges.

"Now, functions like cargo accounting and recording of cargo quantities are done through a more accurate, faster automated system," Westport said a statement.

In 2002, Westport joined the ranks of the world's premier ports in implementing a wide range of technologically-driven systems and facilities.

The first phase of the NGCCS was the introduction of the Smart Card Security System (SCSS), which aims to provide secure identification at Westport.

Forwarding agents and hauliers are given a smart card by the port authority. This identification card contains personal/company particulars and a picture of the card holder.

When entering the port, a forwarding agent hands his smart card to port officers to collect a gate pass. This gate pas will then be passed over to the haulage driver, to be used with his own smart card when he wishes to enter the port.

"All of these procedures and transactions will be electronically recorded and stored in a database. As such, no unauthorized entry will occur," Westport said.

The smart card has been integrated with the Self Service Terminal to further enhance productivity at the port. This new approach allows forwarding agents and hauliers to generate their own passes (with bar code) at the Self Service Terminal, instead of enlisting the aid of port officers.

"The SCSS stands a good chance of being emulated by other ports. At present, both Klang Port Authority and Northport are looking at the system to make the smart card a standard requirement for all forwarding agents and hauliers who want to take container delivery at Port Klang," said executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam.

Startag cashless, an electronic payment card, was launched as the second phase of the NGCCS in September last year. With it, Westport staff can make purchases at any of the11 retail outlets and petrol kiosk located within the port without paying cash. The amount spent will be deducted automatically from their monthly salaries.

Plans are underway to introduce a pre-paid method of payment.

Phase three of the NGCCS involves the closed-circuit-television (CCTV) system administered by the Central Control Centre.

Supervisors in charge can now observe and appraise the status operation - like berthing and unberthing of vessels, quay transfers, loading and unloading of cargoes, receipt, delivery and storage cargoes - at the wharf, the open yard and the gate, simultaneously.

Manivannan Rethinam, MIS manager for conventional Terminal at Westport, said the CCTV gives supervisors greater control over the workflow.

"Prior to installation of the CCTV system, pot officers had to go to wharfs, move from one ship to the other and rely on traffic executives to monitor work progress," he said.

Recently, the ort also implemented Westport Instant Access, here port users can extract container and vessel status via their handphone's short messaging system.

Following this is the Westportlink, an interactive website providing users with the ability and convenience to obtain information online, regarding their business and financial status.