Milaha, previously known as Qatar Navigation, has begun implementing a state-of-the-art Terminal Operating System (TOS) at Doha Port.
Milaha officials are seen during a training session
Milaha took over operations and management duties of the Doha Port from Qatar Ports Management Company (QPMC) in February 2011.
One of the most critical milestones in Doha Port’s development, the new TOS from Jade will significantly enhance productivity and efficiency at Doha Port, which currently uses a paper-based system to manage 400,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent transport container) container movements annually.
Port Services vice president Alan Middleton said: “We chose Jade’s JMT software because of its proven track record in providing reliable and innovative solutions to world class terminals. Qatar’s rapid development and the resulting growth of the Qatari shipping market, require this expertise. The easy configuration and scalability of JMT supports our efforts to increase efficiencies, optimise processes and manage costs as we bring Doha Port operations to the best worldwide standards.”
Middleton mentioned that the TOS, scheduled to go live in the second quarter of this year, will allow Doha Port to support increasing container and general cargo volumes, while meeting international standards for terminal operations.
Millions of tonnes of cargo are expected to pass through Doha Port as Qatar undertakes multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects including new hotels, rapid rail and construction of stadiums in the lead up to the world’s largest sporting event.
Project Implementation manager Tamer Kosber said: “With a QR19mn investment in TOS, Doha Port performance will be better, operations will run more smoothly and efficiently, so that we can offer our customers better service”.
In addition, Milaha has also implemented a Wi-Fi system at the port with the assistance of Aruba. Noting the inherent difficulties of implementing wireless technology in ports, due to radio frequency challenges, Kosber added: “We were familiar with Aruba’s expertise in wireless implementations at a number of different terminals. Aruba has a strong reputation in the port sector, which has specific requirements in terms of the reliability of the wireless network. The Wi-Fi project at the Doha Port was implemented successfully without too many teething troubles.”
Milaha also commenced a training programme last month for its super user employees, in co-ordination with Jade.
The intensive training programme is aimed to build key skills of employees to use the TOS system and prepare them in turn to cascade all the system knowledge gained from the training, to other port employees. End user training is expected to be concluded by end of this month.
Doha Port staff will use hand-held computers at the entry and exit gates for trucks and enter the required data for each incoming container, while documentation required for container pick-up will be printed on the spot.
Each straddle carrier is equipped with an LXE half-screen vehicle-mounted computer, which displays the container to be taken from the truck or ship and where the container has to be placed. Milaha expressed special thanks and appreciation to Qatar Ports Management Company, Qatar Customs, Doha Port Police and ictQATAR in ensuring the success of the important milestone.
