Intel-gathering mission to US

Earlier this year, our Head of IT Ollie Barton-Jones, Strategic Projects Manager Kevin Kearney and Technology Strategist Scott Mosley went on a whirlwind visit to the US – specifically, to privately-owned container terminal operator Penn Terminals

(Philadelphia) and the world’s largest manufacturing and supply chain trade show, ProMat, in Chicago. 

Penn Terminals visit

For at least 20 years, Port Otago has used Master Terminal as our terminal operating system. In order to optimise our use of Master Terminal, we asked the software provider to introduce us to another port client of a similar size to Port Otago.

Kevin says Penn Terminals has used Master Terminal for about 10 years. “Its team has strength-specific aspects of the system that we do not, and vice versa. As a result of the visit, we are informally supporting each other, as each port looks to extract maximum potential out of the system.

“Penn Terminals’ current project to increase the density of reefer container storage is the type of solution that could be adopted at Port Otago.”

ProMat trade show

The US trip was timed to coincide with the annual ProMat trade show, with the goal of assessing new innovations applicable to the Southern Link inland port infrastructure. [See separate story]

ProMat’s 1200 exhibitors were spread over 60,000m² of floor space and the event included more than 200 educational sessions.

Ollie: “Southern Link is a greenfield development. We have a responsibility and the opportunity to ensure the hub is efficient from day one and capable of expanding to handle future growth.”

He says the key take-home from ProMat was around technical design governance. “Early technology choices are critical to future health and avoidance of rework down the track. Good governance is critical and investment level does not mitigate nor correct this.”