Ports of Auck tightens up export cargo procedures

Ports of Auckland tightens up export cargo procedures

Ports of Auckland is introducing new procedures for the delivery and loading of export containers, effective 1 February 2009.

Managing Director Jens Madsen says the changes will bring export procedures into line with other leading international ports.

“This is about lifting our game, working smarter and having better forward planning,” Mr Madsen said.

“Stricter deadlines for booking containers and ensuring all the necessary approvals are in place will create additional efficiencies for customers, Ports of Auckland and ultimately the entire supply chain.”

“With better information prior to container delivery, we’ll be able to position containers optimally, make fewer container moves and plan our wharf space more intelligently.”

“The changes will give us more capacity and lead to quicker turnaround times for vessels and trucks.”

Mr Madsen said the majority of export containers received at the Port already met the timeframes and information requirements set out in the new procedures.

“However, the occasional late delivery of containers has a major negative impact on the efficient and timely loading of vessels. Early delivery takes up valuable wharf space and creates unnecessary cargo moves. This adds cost to the supply chain.”

Mr Madsen said the new procedures represented world-best practice and were being introduced following extensive dialogue with key customers.

Following a two-month trial, the Port will begin to charge fees in instances where the procedures are not followed.

“We are seeking further feedback and anticipate refining the procedures during the trial period,” he said.

Ports of Auckland currently accepts export containers between seven days and 12 hours before a vessel’s estimated time of arrival. The new procedures include levying a charge on containers delivered more than seven days before the estimated time of arrival. Restrictions are also being placed on the acceptance of late containers and containers that have not received a Customs clearance (CEDO) two hours before their vessel is scheduled to arrive.

Mr Madsen said a new practice of “dual cycling” at the Port meant vessels were being unloaded and loaded in the same cycle, rather than sequentially.

“The results we are getting from dual cycling, combined with other new initiatives including the twin lifting of containers, dual-direction straddle driving and our Vehicle Booking System, are lifting the Port’s productivity levels to new highs,” he said.

“These new procedures, on top of the gains we are already making, will give us the advance information and discipline we need to be world-class.”

Mr Madsen said the Port was also enhancing its e-Commerce capabilities to provide customers with real-time information and alerts on the status of their cargo. A new system will be launched in early 2009 prior to the introduction of the new business procedures.

The changes apply to the container terminals only. The General Wharves and the Port of Onehunga will not be impacted.

Mr Madsen said it was likely there would be more changes to procedures in the future. “Making the supply chain as efficient as possible is an evolutionary and ongoing process. We look forward to continuing to work with all the stakeholder groups involved.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media