Industry Thoughts: Logistics Innovation
How logistics specialists, ITCOs and ports are modernizing through technology
Background image courtesy of Port of Santos
“Digital transformation and service digitalization are key investments in order to increase efficiency and speed. The pandemic actually helped us accelerate the development of our digital offering for service requests, invoicing and automation, which brought lots of agility. We developed partnerships with start-ups to design and implement new systems around our workflow. For example, in return cargo, we can make sure that trucks that leave the port to drop off goods do not come back empty. Ageo is working on developing a new berth for boats with 75,000 tons capacity; Vopak is working on an expansion plan for chemical product importation, including three new planned jet-lines covering about 20,000 cubic meters; and Ultracargo has doubled capacity over the last two years. These are just a few of the examples contributing to modernization at the Port.”
Fernando Biral, CEO, Port of Santos
“Investment by private companies into the logistics area tends to be in technology and training which leads to better service. The performance targets and KPIs inherent in private business lends itself to greater competition, ultimately benefitting the customer. We have seen significant investment into technology at the Port of Santos, for example, which led to improved procedures within the port. Five years ago, NewPort started thinking about its 10 year plan with the aim of becoming the largest tank operator worldwide. We realized to achieve our targets we would need the requisite IT structure in place, and started to develop an in-house IT system which would understand the company’s needs and prepare us for the future. In collaboration with a third party company, an expert team of NewPort employees who deeply understand our business, the system was developed.”
Fabiano Machion,
General Manager – South America, NewPort Tank
