Port community systems - a concept as a means to stream the data flows between the customs authorities and shippers, carriers, 3PL’s and other port users thus providing the information backbone for supporting operations at the various ports in India..
The Indian Port Community System, set to link through the internet all port users operating at various major ports, is in the final stage of completion. The Indian customs - the last entity - is finally getting integrated in the system and will get completed in the next few months. Once completed port users all over the country can exchange data electronically and seamlessly into a global transportation network that links all shipments from cargo origin to destination.
The Indian Ports Association (IPA) is implementing this Port Community System (PCS) which will be commissioned before the end of this year. Initially, a pilot project which included Mumbai port, Jawaharlal port and Chennai port was put into operation in 2007. Its success helped to take the project further and link up all major ports. So far with the exception of the Indian customs all concerned users have been linked including Exporters, Importers, Freight Forwarders, Shipping lines, Shipping Agents, Stevedores, Transport operators, Banks, Ports, Terminal Operators, Customs, and other organizations / companies in the maritime logistics chain.
Rajeev Puri, Deputy Director (PCS) of the Indian Ports Association stated, “We already have various agencies operating within our system and exchanging over 2 lakhs documents every month. However, customs had continued to operate their independent ICEGATE portal for e-filing of documents hence the PCS could not get completed. Now we hope to hook them to the system much before December this year making operations smooth, rapid and hassle free.
“Initially five banks had linked up with the system. Now others, not wanting to be left out have approached us. soon the users will able to employ the services of any bank. Once the PCS is fully operational we will throw it open to even non major and private ports. Pipavav and Mundra ports are the two private ports which are already getting themselves integrated into the system.”
N. N. Kumar Chairman i/c of Jawaharlal Nehru Port stated, “In this port community system all documents can be filed on-line simultaneously and get processed swiftly with the port giving the berthing details, the customs processing and giving clearance to the relevant goods and payment too being made on-line. Hence everything will be on the same community portal. Port users can operate from anywhere without having to go to each of the operator’s offices. Only in the case of imports some representative will have to be physically present to interact will the various agencies and to go to the port for taking delivery.”
In many ports and regions across the globe, Port Community Systems have evolved over a period of time and have proved that significant gains could be made by sharing data with the Port Community. As the technology progressed and e-commerce became a global business enabler, these systems were upgraded to permit members to transact their business, avail of services and track their cargo status easily and quickly in a single and integrated platform.