Phase III of ModernPorts.com Provides More Efficiency-Enhancing On-Line Services to Hong Kong Shipping Community

Container Terminal operator Modern Terminals Limited further extends the range of useful value-added on-line services it offers to the shipping community with the launch of Phase III of its portal, ModernPorts.com, today (20th September 2001).

New features in ModernPorts.com Phase III include:

• Sailing Schedules
• Import Demurrage/Empty Detention
• Early Come/ Late Come Requests
• Barge Company Enquiries
• Movement Reports
• Inventory Reports
• Notice Board

The Import Demurrage and Empty Detention function enables shipping lines to revise demurrage of import laden containers and detention of empty containers, by container and by voyage. Shipping lines and depot operators can also make inquiries about the status of empty container detention. The Early Come function allows shipping lines to submit requests for export containers to be delivered to the terminal before the Free Receiving Period; whereas the Late Come function allows them to submit requests for export containers to be delivered after the Container Yard closing. A directory of registered barge operators has also been added for easy reference.

The Sailing Schedules, Import Demurrage/Empty Detention and Early Come/Late Come Request services also have an auto notification feature: when a user updates information, a message is automatically generated to the designated parties in their personal address book, notifying them of the new information.

In addition, all functions of the existing WebCIS System have been migrated to ModernPorts.com and have been conveniently integrated into a single system. Some added refinements to the system have been incorporated in line with suggestions made by shipping line customers.

"Phases I and II of ModernPorts.com were very well-received, due to the many opportunities they provide for the shipping community to streamline and increase the efficiency of its operations" commented Modern Terminals' General Manager - Information Technology, David Chow. "We expect Phase III, and Phase IV - which is scheduled for launch early next January - will likewise create greater value for users of ModernPorts.com," he added.

Modern Terminals is the longest established container terminal operator in Hong Kong, with the territory's first purpose-built container terminal opened in September, 1972. In 1999, it won the Hong Kong Productivity Council's Productivity Award for Services. On 1st February, 2001, Modern Terminals set a new world record for container handling productivity by an average 336 moves per crane hour, greatly exceeding the fastest previously reported rate of 255.6 moves per hour achieved in Oman.