The Port of Durban has introduced a mobile application (app) designed to streamline complaints and issues reported while ensuring improved accountability, transparency and communication with port stakeholders, users, government and community.
This as the port continues to introduce new digital initiatives that will see some of its operations being conducted through wireless technology in the future as it moves towards the creation of a Smart People’s Port which has been informed by the new era of the world’s Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Speaking at the African Ports Evolution 2016 Conference yesterday (Tuesday), Ristha Joga, information, management and services manager at the Port of Durban said: “A Smart People’s Port will result in an efficient, data-rich and information-rich eco-system connecting port assets, port employees, terminal operators and the port community - including road and rail.”
She pointed out that aerial and underwater drones, as well as track and trace technology used to track port assets such as tugs and dredgers, had been piloted successfully at the port. The ‘proof of concept’ exercise showed that drones could be used in a number of ways. This included inspecting infrastructure and the condition of the sea bed, which can be done safely without interrupting port operations. The drone technology can also assist in collecting information on port traffic.
Sensor technology provided port and terminal performance management data, including capacity utilisation, berth occupancy, port limit access and civilian count during surveillance and security management.
