It has not been smooth sailing for the new port computer system, Navis. In mid-April the entire system crashed resulting in traffic queues of some three to five kilometres outside the Port of Durban as all container movement came to a halt. “No-one can deny that congestion in the port with the implementation of the new Navis system has been a major challenge in recent weeks,” says Sayed Mohamad, operations manager of CHC Resources, who is based in Durban. “The turnaround time has been unbelievably slow. The waiting time for a container can be anything from 24 to 48 hours.” But, says Mohamad, despite this he is optimistic about the new system as TPT has remained in close contact and been completely transparent about the challenges and problems they are facing, regularly communicating with industry. “I have attended several meetings and TPT is working hard to sort out the problems. They are of the opinion that once this system is up and running it will take no more than an hour to pick up a container at the Durban port.” Aadil Hoosen of Cargocare says the challenge of dealing with a new system was compounded by the crash that saw cargo movement in and out of the port come to a near stand still. “The direct cost of this ran into the millions, while it is more difficult to ascertain the indirect costs to the economy.” But like Mohamad he agrees that once the teething problems are sorted out the benefits of the new system will far outweigh the negative. “The Navis system will see efficiencies increase and the cost of doing business with Transnet as a result of this will decrease. Furthermore the system promises to increase stacking yard capacity and lower operating costs by swiftly and intelligently being able to respond to sudden changes in the flow of cargo.” Craig Maulson, Maersk national operations manager, agrees. He says a major benefit will be the increased productivity from TPT. “Once stable, Navis will outperform peak performances experienced with Cosmos.” According to Maulson the EDI functionality and the operational visibility that they will be able to get online with Navis will play a major role. “The online tool will assist in closely monitoring what is happening operationally with each container at the port.” Mohamed says while none of this is being experienced as yet the fact that the port and its customers are all working together is already a positive sign of things to come. With Navis, a computerised, web-based system that governs the movement of all container logistics and operations in the terminal, from gate to yard to vessel, customers are able to book their containers online, input the correct data and track the cargo. The system also improves security.
