APM Terminals Unveils GPS-Based Container Inspection Facility

Mr. Dallas Hampton, managing director, APM Terminals Apapa Limited, port terminal operator said his company is introducing a satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) for containers, and a new, first of its kind in the world multi-level container inspection facility for physical examination of containers by Customs operatives.

Hampton said that the satellite-based container location system will ensure 99.5 per cent accuracy of container location and inventory in the terminal yard.

“Manual systems cannot achieve much more than 90 per cent accuracy. The GPS system will also enable the use of further technologies such as NAVIS Prime Route and Expert Decking which are advanced real time IT systems that can improve terminal yard efficiency.

These systems combined will enable the terminal to have completely pedestrian free yards, and provide truck service times for receiver and delivery which are less than 45 minutes on average,” he said.

Hampton said the Global Positioning System will be installed once ongoing civil works are complete and will become operational early next year.

The APM Terminals Apapa boss also said that his company is building a $10 million facility for physical inspection of containers by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The insatiable demand by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service for physical inspection of containers is the main driver behind the US$10 million multi-level racking system investment.