Hutchison Ports-operated Port of Felixstowe (UK) has launched OCEAN (Online Container Enquiry Analytics Notifications), an online platform for providing fast and accurate real-time information to customers.
“Global supply chains have been under pressure for the last couple of years and it has been increasingly difficult for shippers to obtain reliable and accurate data on the location and status of their goods. This new service provides a wide range of data and sets a new standard in transparency. It enables port users to track the progress of their goods through the port and to access operational status reports,” said Adam Ramsey, commercial director at the Port of Felixstowe.
“Not every user wants the same information and our team spoke to a wide variety of end users to find out exactly what each wanted. The focus of development has been on human-computer interaction and user experience, providing the right data in a way that is simple to use and delivers on customer needs,” he added.
OCEAN enables port users to track up to 200 containers simultaneously and quickly, according to a statement, which said that port users can refine their search by filtering data that includes estimated vessel arrival times, actual arrival times, when a container is unloaded, when it is cleared for collection, when road freight or rail services are booked and the time of port departure.
Additionally, the OCEAN dashboard provides several “at-a-glance terminal status reports”, which include current terminal density in TEU, vessel unloading/loading progress, VBS (vehicle booking service) information including slot availability, slots released/used in the last 24 hours and haulier turnaround times.
The new system has been already extensively tested by users during its development and new users can access the port website and subscribe for free, according to a statement.
“We have already received very positive feedback about OCEAN and do not intend to stop here. Version 2.0 is already under development. Further enhancements and potential integration with customers and 3rd party systems are planned for later this year,” concluded Ramsey.
