Ports: NSC Assures of Complete Automation, Integration in Terminal Processes This Year
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is making strong moves to ensure that there is complete automation and integration in seaports terminal processes before the end of the year, the Executive Secretary, Mr Hassan Bello has said.
Bello who disclosed this while receiving the new Country Manager of APM terminals, Mr Klaus Laursen, in his office said complete automation and integration in processes at the seaports was the way forward for the industry.
He called for acceleration of export cargo through the terminals, adding that such goods should not attract storage charges.
According to him, the current economic situation in the country with the ravaging coronavirus pandemic was such that exports should be given priority.
He commended the APMT for acquiring new cargo handling equipment, but said his concern was on the congestion in the terminal.
He also commended the terminal operator for the synergy with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, including barge operators for goods delivery in the ports.
Laursen had in response blamed customs agents for not coming to clear the goods, adding that this was the cause of the congestion.
He added this has led to backlog of vessels waiting to be attended to in the territorial waters.
He also said APMT has done a lot in checking yard occupancy from 98 percent to 77 percent.
Laursen said APMT was planning to implement an electronic platform for trucks as part of automation.
He disclosed that discussions were still ongoing with the with Nigerian Ports Authority on the plans.
But he said terminal issues such as Terminal Delivery Orders, payments, invoicing, among others have remained online, adding that customs agents do not have to be physically present at the ports.
On the issue of export goods, the Country Manager said all the shippers need was to have all their documentation, among them customs clearance to be able to come to the terminals.
Bello who disclosed this while receiving the new Country Manager of APM terminals, Mr Klaus Laursen, in his office said complete automation and integration in processes at the seaports was the way forward for the industry.
He called for acceleration of export cargo through the terminals, adding that such goods should not attract storage charges.
According to him, the current economic situation in the country with the ravaging coronavirus pandemic was such that exports should be given priority.
He commended the APMT for acquiring new cargo handling equipment, but said his concern was on the congestion in the terminal.
He also commended the terminal operator for the synergy with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, including barge operators for goods delivery in the ports.
Laursen had in response blamed customs agents for not coming to clear the goods, adding that this was the cause of the congestion.
He added this has led to backlog of vessels waiting to be attended to in the territorial waters.
He also said APMT has done a lot in checking yard occupancy from 98 percent to 77 percent.
Laursen said APMT was planning to implement an electronic platform for trucks as part of automation.
He disclosed that discussions were still ongoing with the with Nigerian Ports Authority on the plans.
But he said terminal issues such as Terminal Delivery Orders, payments, invoicing, among others have remained online, adding that customs agents do not have to be physically present at the ports.
On the issue of export goods, the Country Manager said all the shippers need was to have all their documentation, among them customs clearance to be able to come to the terminals.
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