Ningbo Port Authority Breaking Efficiency Records With Navis Solutions

Beilun Second Container Terminal, One of the Worlds Fastest Growing Terminals, has already Increased its Cargo Throughput by 22% and Exceeded 1.0 Million TEU this Year.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) January 19, 2004 --Navis LLC, the global leader in providing enterprise software solutions for the cargo transportation and logistics industry, announced today that Ningbo Port Authority has implemented Navis software to significantly improve operation efficiency. Ningbo Port Authoritys Beilun Second Container Terminal realized that advanced operational software was necessary for improved productivity and chose to implement Navis SPARCS. Navis SPARCS will automate and optimize its increasingly complex operation that has a container throughput volume expected to grow 30% this year, a threefold increase since 2001. Additionally, the terminal chose to utilize Navis SPARCS Vessel Autostow, Naviss industry leading advanced module for automating and optimizing vessel planning.

After three years of researching terminal management software vendors worldwide, we found that Navis SPARCS was the best option as its operational benefits had been proven in 150 terminals worldwide," said Mr. Chen Guorong, the Deputy General Manager of Beilun Second Container Terminal Co., Ltd. of Ningbo Port. Increased cargo movement is critical to our success and Navis software establishes a proven foundation for exceeding our goal of 2.0 million TEU in container throughput by the year 2007. To date, we have successfully increased our throughput of containers and increased moves by 22% in four months with Navis SPARCS."

Navis has helped Ningbo Port Authority increase container moves without unnecessary investment in costly equipment and facilities. Features found in Navis SPARCS such as Equipment Control, Truck Control and Delivery Selection Optimization enables the port to maximize its current resources to substantially reduce operational costs and increase efficiency. Specifically, Navis SPARCS has significantly streamlined gate operations. Navis SPARCS Delivery Selection Optimization automatically selects the most accessible container in a yard block for gate deliveries in real-time. The equipment operator's movements are optimized and the number of unproductive yard shifts are minimized. This rise in operational productivity has resulted in an increased ratio of completed container moves in one hour by more than 99% and an increased ratio in a half an hour from 70% to more than 85%, thus, breaking several operational records in the history of Ningbo Port Authority.

Another critical component of Beilun Second Container Terminals automation process is its vessel planning procedure. Navis SPARCS Vessel Autostow will ensure that the terminal can share data and vessel stowage plans as well as meet operational requirements made by the Worlds largest shipping lines. This gives the terminal a competitive advantage over neighboring ports and boosts productivity by saving significant time during the critical periods leading up to the start of vessel load and discharge operations.

We are proud to provide Ningbo Port Authority with a solution that delivers immediate results," said Mr. John Dillon, CEO of Navis. Navis SPARCS will keep Ningbo Port Authority well ahead of the curve by ensuring that they achieve high productivity and realize their goal of moving 2.0 Million TEUs without adding land, labor or costly equipment."

Navis TCP/IP Real-Time Interface option and other features allowed the project to commence and run parallel to Beilun Second Container Terminals own host system development. Navis executed a successful implementation by meeting 100% of its deadlines, which allowed Ningbo Ports operations to run uninterrupted.

About Navis LLC
Navis is the worlds leading provider of mission critical information technology solutions that manage and optimize the flow of goods within and between facilities in the supply chain. At over 160 facilities, in 36 countries Navis products have helped increase the profitability of moving all types of cargo by encompassing the entire workflow of each operation in a comprehensive, real-time information system.

The Navis product suite serves all sizes of marine, rail and depot terminals, shipping lines and vessel tonnage centers, distribution centers, and handles all manner of cargo including container, conventional and RO/RO vehicles. The company's products consist of Navis SPARCS, Navis Express, Navis WebAccess, Navis Depot, Navis PowerStow and Navis DC.

Each product provides Navis customers with the detailed information they need to maximize their operational performance, while providing the conduit to expedite vital commercial transactions between parties in the supply chain via the Internet. Each product also runs on multiple system platforms, is localizable in any language and shares instant connectivity with a wide range of NavisReady-certified companion products through the Navis Business Alliance program.

Customer support is provided through a global network of 6 regional offices around the world. For more information about Navis LLC its products, services and Navis Business Alliance partners, please visit www.navis.com.

About Beilun Second Container Terminals Co., Ltd. of Ningbo Port
Ningbo Port is a natural deep-water port, capable of conveniently servicing even the largest generation of container vessels. Beilun Second Container Terminals Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Ningbo Port Authority, specializes in vessel load/discharge and transportation services. With its four well-equipped container-specialized berths, including 12 Post-panamax, ZPMC quay cranes and 26 rubber-tired gantry cranes, its named one of the fastest growing terminals. For more information, please visit www.nbport.com.cn.