New application a first for Transnet Port Terminals

 

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the port operations division of state owned logistics company Transnet, has entered unchartered waters with the launch of a new app that helps international traders, from small furniture importers to a wine exporter or a large manganese supplier, to keep track of their cargo in real-time. The App grants the user instant access to information that includes live berth plans and important terminal updates across TPT’s network of 16 terminals, countrywide. TPT is one of a few port operators globally to launch its own App, an effort that’s taken five months to develop.

The App, identified as Transnet TPT, is available in both the Google Play store for Android devices and the App Store for devices operating on iOS. “The App is another communication channel that addresses an efficient service offering by TPT to the customer,” says Nombuso Afolayan, General Manager for Commercial and Planning at TPT. She added that the App will assist traders in enhancing their planning and proactively make decisions with the real-time information now at their disposal.

The App is developed in line with modern world developments to better enable the TPT customer to track his cargo and terminal operations and developments without physically being on site. Afolayan said the information provided by the App will enable shipping lines to make decisions to apply slow steaming in order to save money on fuel. Connecting the world and devising a solution that aids the supply chain was necessary in TPT’s aim to be an accessible business that continues to grow.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is responsible for the movement of goods coming in and out of South Africa by sea. It operates South Africa’s seven commercial ports, namely Durban and Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal, East London, Ngqura and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape as well as Saldanha and Cape Town in the Western Cape.

TPT is at the forefront of port operation technology as demonstrated by their ability to develop break-bulk cargo tracking programmes like GCOS in-house. “TPT considers technology and systems as basic tools of trade” said Afolayan. Until now, customers could only track their cargo movement through their computers using the internet. The APP offers instant access and immediate overview of terminal operations.

Afolayan says the APP offered possibility for wider use within the Transnet group. TPT currently carries four types of cargo in automotive – the import and export of cars, containers, agricultural and mineral bulk as well as break bulk cargo.

 

Afolayan says TPT is considering options to diversify further to handle liquid bulk and gas.