As part of efforts to address the menace of pilferage and ensure efficient service delivery in port operations, Tin-Can Port operator Five Star Logistics Terminal unveiled an automated pedestrian access gate on Tuesday to check cargo pilfering at the port terminal.
The electronic gate, equipped with facial recognition and a smart card system, is expected to sanitize the port, collect port users’ data, curb pilferage, and address security challenges at the seaport terminal.
Speaking with reporters at the launch of the eGate, the Terminal Manager, Five Star Logistics Limited, Mr. Jaysing Kamthe, described the development as fulfilling the terminal’s biggest goals since the port concession in 2006.
He said, “Since we took over this port terminal in 2006, we have been longing to introduce this innovation to improve 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.”
According to him, the development will lead to a reduction in logistics costs, as transactions at the port terminal will be handled more efficiently for customers to enjoy better service delivery. “Only those who have business at the port terminal and have been activated can access the ports.
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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.
As part of efforts to address pilferage and other sharp practices, he noted that the terminal is increasing its surveillance system via CCTV cameras from 24 cameras to 70 cameras. Speaking on the cost of the new service, he stated, “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.”
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, admonished port stakeholders not to abuse the process but to collaborate with the terminal operator to address possible shortcomings. “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.
On his part, the Port Manager, Tin-Can Island Port, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Sylvester Egede, encouraged other port operators within Tin-Can Island Port to learn from the commendable strides of Five Star Logistics Terminal. “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 encourage other seaport terminals to introduce the same innovative security and port management equipment at their facilities,” he said.
The event was attended by several port stakeholders, including freight forwarders and security agencies, as participants were guided through the e-services at the terminal and tested the new automated access gate.