Cornelder de Moçambique SA is implementing several new technologies as part of a core strategy to improve service levels and the efficiency of operations at the Port of Beira.According to executive managing director Jan Laurens de Vries, one such development is the implementation of new handling methods such as wireless automatic release hooks and gyroscopic load stabilisers that increase productivity, reduce the manpower required and significantly increase the safety of operations.“We aim to use technology to reduce our environmental impact as well and this year we will be piloting electric handling equipment such as forklifts and terminal tractors,” he said.By far the biggest change for Cornelder, however, has come from its IT systems. “We have been investing massively in this area,” said De Vries. “This year our terminal operating system for the general cargo terminal came online. Together with TBA from the UK, we have tailored their system COMMTRAC to suit our very complex and diverse set of general cargo operations so that we can control every aspect of our operation through an integrated system.”While this technology is quite normal for container terminals, it is not the case for general cargo operations. Most terminals around the world use an array of paper documentation and loose applications to control their operations as there are no standardised processes. Each type of cargo requires its own unique management system. “Having an integrated system that, for example, allows us to track all truck movements through every stage on our terminal is a massive benefit for operational control and gives us data with which we can optimise our physical operation,” said De Vries.Another major development for Cornelder has been the creation of its software development team. “This has had the biggest impact on our operations. During the Covid pandemic, we had the need to digitalise all our customer interactions and getting external companies in from abroad was almost impossible,” explained De Vries. “Creating our software development team allowed us to create an online self-service portal through which our customers can now deal with all documentation and administrative processes without physically visiting our offices.”According to De Vries, post-pandemic the internal team has continued with its developments, including the creation of a handheld application for the security guards to do all security controls at the gate.“This application uses artificial intelligence to automatically recognise licence plates, container numbers and driver identification. “This year, this security application will evolve to control all of our gate functions, linking our Terminal Operating System with the Online Customer Portal for truck appointments through a simple scan of a handheld.”
