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The Port of London serves the UK’s most
valuable market region, embracing London and the South East of England.
Over 56 million tonnes of cargo are handled annually in one of the
world’s most diverse ports. The port is unique in both its
physical size and the variety of trades it caters for. Some 86 operational
terminals handle containers, trailers, dry and liquid bulks, steel,
forest products, vehicles, aggregates, fresh and frozen produce.
Such diversity requires the support of sophisticated information
technology. The Port of London Authority (PLA), has committed major
investment to providing this infrastructure. The ports Vessel Traffic
Management System is now state of the art and from the Port Control
centre monitors the 28,000 commercial ship movements within the port
each year.
Equally important is the need to monitor the fast and efficient
movement of cargo from the various terminals within the port. The
Port Automated Cargo Environment (PACE) system brings together a
community of nearly 200 subscribers including shipping lines, forwarding
agents, HM Customs, hauliers, the Port Health Authority, clearing
depots, terminals and wharves.
PACE has been operated on behalf of the Port of London Authority
(PLA) by Community Network Services Limited (CNS) since 1990. Through
close liaison with the PLA Trade Services Department who administer
PACE, development of the system has been on-going.
PACE integrates the various systems of terminal operators, shipping
lines, inland facilities and POLARIS, PLA’s River Information
System. The recent implementation of open systems based on a digital
network, CNSNet 2000, allows access to a wide range of related systems
and services using Internet technology. The new network means that
users of the PACE system can now access all data relating to freight
movement through the port and take advantage of Email, Internet access
and Web site facilities from the same computer used for their own
office requirements.
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The import inventory is at the heart of the PACE system which includes
access to the UK Customs system CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import
Export Freight). In addition to electronic Customs clearance, the
system includes manifest write-off and distribution, removal and
transhipment facilities and commercial release. Many of these transactions
are now ‘paperless’ with data being electronically transferred
from the deep-sea terminal or berth to the ultimate inland destination,
such as Inland Clearance Depots (ICDs) and Enhanced Remote Transit
Sheds (ERTS).
A full Export inventory system has been implemented which integrates
with the control system of Tilbury
Container Services (TCS), their
shipping line customers and HM Customs. The Export system provides
electronic monitoring of cargo, allowing certain types of cargo
to move without intervention. The system caters for FCL, LCL and
SCP
clearances as well as licensable and CAP goods. Subsequent stages
include Paperless Transhipments, Integrated Hazardous Goods Control
and an LCL system which integrates with ICD export packaging systems.
The PACE system provides comprehensive information including the
status of containers as they pass through London container terminals;
commercial release of cargo based on a sophisticated “PIN” security
system; vessel movement information including arrival and departure
notification for Customs requirements; electronic transfer of manifest
details for both Customs and Port Health requirements.
The PACE system is also linked to CNS Global Messaging services
which enable users to send and receive EDI messages to shipping lines,
terminals and trading partners world-wide.
The on-going development of the PACE system is clearly directed
towards the totally “paperless port” environment. The
system provides greater control of cargo, improved information flows
and easy access to data on the physical and documentary status of
ships and cargo moving through the Port of London.
Further Information
For further information on the above service please contact CNS:
Tel: 02380 799601
E-mail: info@cnsonline.net
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