BVIPA introduces new booking system to enhance operations

The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) is implementing a new booking system called ‘PortCall’ which is expected to come into effect in the first quarter of 2020.

A media release from the BVIPA on Thursday said PortCall is a port community system that coordinates scheduling between pilots, port and agents operating with or at local ports.

Acting Managing Director of BVIPA Oleanvine Maynard said the upgrade will facilitate a more effective business environment.

“The new system will allow the port’s customers direct access to a real-time booking schedule which we believe will help to augment our business transactions with both Cargo and Cruise companies,” Maynard stated.

The BVIPA staff including cargo and cruise agents of the BVIPA have received introductory training sessions to PortCall to ensure that the implementation of the new system is successful.

The staff received training from Chief Executive Officer of PortCall, Bryan Bender.

“With the launch of PortCall, the BVI Ports Authority improves scheduling transparency for the entire port community. PortCall vessel scheduling flows between the port, pilots, and agents like a hotel reservation for ships. Agents request port calls, the port books berths and pilots confirm traffic schedules,” Bender siad.

“Local tourism and transportation vendors gain access to live arrival/departure schedules automatically published on the web at bvi.portcall.com, eliminating out-of-date cruise schedules port-wide. As the most advanced cruise scheduling destination in the Caribbean, BVI becomes even more attractive to cruise line itinerary planners,” he added.