New software increases efficiency at BVI Ports Authority
- Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at 3:49 PM
A BVI Ports Authority officer operates a new electric stacker at the Container Freight Station at Port Purcell. (Photo credit: GIS/ Jasmine Perez)
Thursday, April 8 (GIS) – The new cargo and container tracking software installed at the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has already begun increasing operations efficiency, according to Information Technology Specialist, Mr. Akeem Pickering.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Pickering said, “The BVI Ports Authority continues to work hard to please the public and our customers. With the installation of the new software, the changes have increased our efficiency here at Port Purcell.”
The changes made involved the installation of cargo racks, the placement of location codes on all racks, and the purchase of electric stackers. Mr. Pickering explained, “The software has contributed in a major way to our efficiency. Cargo is now securely organised on racks, and can be easily located by a search using a handheld or desktop computer. It is then picked up by our new stackers.”
According to Information Technology Consultant Mr. Mikey Farara, “The new software has also aided in improving the work environment at the warehouses. Since the stackers are electric, they do not emit exhaust which is unhealthy in a closed environment.”
“Everything is going according to plan and we are kindly asking the public to exercise patience as the system is still relatively new,” said Mr. Farara.
The software, which was installed by Klein Systems Group Software Solution in January of last year, also allows the BVIPA to electronically check manifests of cruise and cargo vessels. It also handles the scheduling and proposed berthing of vessels before arrival; facilitates the process of receiving break bulk cargo and containers as well as the de-stuffing of containers.
The software also records how long the container stays at the port and tracks containers and contents by type. Mr. Pickering said that the new system will hopefully be fully operational by the end of this month, after which, the BVIPA will connect the Virgin Gorda port station.
He added, “In relation to tracking the embarkation and disembarkation of ferry boats and the number of passengers they carry, this is still in its testing phase, but will be officially implemented soon.”
The implementation of the new software is in keeping with the Government’s plans to improve present port facilities in the Territory, to comply with current international security and operating standards and also to meet the growing needs of residents and visitors.
The BVI Ports Authority is responsible for the provision and maintenance of the required sea transportation infrastructure for the Virgin Islands, and the efficient and effective handling of the related cargo, container and passenger operations.
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Why is not the cargo privitized why the government want to handle cargo ? There is a lot of philfering and sabortage in these areas with no accountabilty, people pay for theIr comodities and no justice please Tortola community stop .
That is good news but I would like to know why every time I travel from Road Town to Virgin Gorda I have to sit in the hot sun on a hard concrete wall until the boat is ready to depart. What is even more disgusting is the passengers who are travelling to the USVI are acconnodated in an air condition room with comfortable seats. So what, they are entitled to better treatment than us?Hmmmm. The saying is so true, “a prophet is without honour save in his own country”.
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