In a bid to improve port operations and enhance efficiency, Five Star Logistics Terminal has inaugurated an automated pedestrian access gate at the Tin Can Island Port.
The state-of-the-art electronic gate, equipped with facial recognition and a smart card system, aims to streamline access control, mitigate pilferage, and address security concerns within the seaport terminal.
While addressing news men on Tuesday, Terminal Manager of Five Star Logistics Limited, Mr. Jaysing Kamthe expressed delight at the implementation of this long-awaited innovation, emphasizing its significance in improving service delivery since the terminal’s concession in 2006.
Kamthe highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the automated gate, including reduced logistics costs, enhanced security, and expedited cargo handling processes. The gate will restrict access to authorized personnel only, ensuring efficient movement within the terminal and expediting cargo evacuation.
To bolster security measures, the terminal plans to increase its surveillance network by upgrading CCTV cameras from 24 to 70.
In his words: “Since we took over this port terminal in 2006, we have been longing to introduce this innovation to improve the access control into the port for efficiency and improved service delivery. This is a multipurpose cargo terminal and there is a need to have proper access control for people who utilize the port terminal.
“Only those who have business at the port terminal and have been activated can access the ports. Those who have the cards but don’t have cargoes at the port will not be activated. So, the movement of people within the terminal will be restricted. We are also improving the cargo delivery process in a way that port users can evacuate their cargoes within the shortest time possible,” he remarked.
Speaking on the cost implications for users, Kamthe assured stakeholders that the terminal aims to facilitate trade and improve service delivery without imposing exorbitant charges for access cards or registration.
“This venture is to facilitate trade and improve service delivery within the ports, so we are not looking to charge a lot of money for the access cards or registration. The cost hasn’t been decided but we will ensure that it isn’t much.” he added.
On his part, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, commended the initiative, urging stakeholders to support the implementation process to maximize its benefits.
Nnadi emphasized the importance of collaboration to address potential challenges and ensure the success of the automated access system.
“When I was DC Enforcement some years ago, what we are witnessing today was an idea that we discussed in 2018. The concept of e-cards for port entry was introduced to reduce the number of people inside port terminals. When I returned to Tin Can as Controller, I discovered that the access control had been constructed, but wasn’t deployed. Today, I’m happy that we are deploying it. We expect stakeholders’ buy-in. Let’s not kill this beautiful initiative by resisting it,” the Customs boss said.
Similarly, the Port Manager of Tin Can port, Mr. Sylvester Egede lauded Five Star Logistics Terminal for its pioneering efforts and encouraged other port operators to emulate the innovative approach to security and port management.
“Without automation, we can’t generate data. Apart from security, it reduces the number of people within the port premises. Sanity in the port is paramount and we all have a role to play in achieving it. We encounter other seaport terminals to introduce the same innovative security and port management equipment at their facilities,” Egede said.
