This new system, which is supplied by TBA Group, has been deployed to help streamline the management of agribulk operations at ABP’s second-largest bulk handling port in its Wales and Short Sea Ports region.
This introduction in Newport is the fifth deployment of this system across the ABP network, having previously launched at Teignmouth, Hull (two terminals) and King’s Lynn, and is the latest example of ABP increasingly digitising the operations of supply chains through its ports across all cargo types.
It allows for visibility and efficiency for customers and ABP through advanced operational data recording and realtime optimisation of non-containerised cargo management including: the ability to quickly view current/future delivery orders for improved turnaround time with collections; an accurate record of stock; improved quality assurance; and the ability to capture ‘operational events’ such as recording asset breakdowns, weather events, and ops teams breaks.
“ABP is committed to making ongoing and significant investment to ensure ABP’s customers benefit from the most efficient port operations – across all of our ports, and whatever the cargo,” said Tom Batchelor, head of operations, ABP’s Port of Newport.
“The latest roll-out of CommTrac V4 at ABP’s Port of Newport highlights how ABP is working hard to deliver this. Since 2019, ABP has invested approximately £50m in its infrastructure, digitalisation and sustainability measures in Wales alone, and our customers and hauliers at Newport have already given us positive feedback on the new system and reports. We look forward to building on the system to improve bulk handling going forward.”
The successful deployment of CommTrac V4 at ABP Newport was achieved thanks to the strong partnership and comprehensive framework agreement between ABP and TBA Group. “The powerful alliance between ABP and TBA Group has enabled us to seamlessly collaborate and establish a sturdy framework agreement that fully aligns with ABP’s goal of delivering CommTrac to their bulk cargo terminals,” said David Trueman, MD, TBA Group.
“With the successful deployment of CommTrac in five ABP terminals, we continue to fine-tune the system, resulting in increased value and reduced lead times. ABP’s vision to standardise operational processes is fully supported by the versatile CommTrac solution.”
ABP Southampton, meanwhile, has been working with Solent Stevedores on a £17.5m project to enhance the Port of Southampton’s container offering for deep sea shipping lines. The project has completed its first phase of construction.
Phase One has seen 5.5 acres of new site installed including large areas of fibre-reinforced concrete enabling the space to be used for stacking containers seven high with new empty container handlers. Phase One has been handed over to Solent Stevedores by contractors Ryebridge Construction and will be immediately used for storing loaded and empty containers.
The Solent Rail Terminal is undergoing a significant upgrade as part of joint investment between rail terminal operators Solent Stevedores and ABP. Once the project is complete, deep-sea shipping lines will have access to an 18-acre facility that will link the existing intermodal rail transport site with laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance, and repair facilities.
Phase Two is underway and will include connecting a further 6.5 acres of space to the existing rail terminal, and the final phase will see all rail track works complete.
Clive Thomas, commercial director at Solent Stevedores, said: “Further developing the rail provision at the Port of Southampton is key to the ongoing development of intermodal rail travel connecting deep-sea shipping lines to the UK through the Solent Rail Terminal.”
Paul Reeves, head of commercial at ABP Southampton, said: “It is fantastic to reach the milestone of completing Phase One. We are very pleased with the progress of the work to date and are excited to watch Phase Two progress. This project enables our customer to handle, store, and fix more containers on site at the port. Also, it is important… that we support our customers in their sustainability journey. The improved rail provision for the Solent Stevedores will enable the company to transport more of their clients’ containers via rail, reducing the number of HGVs on our roads and improving the local air quality.”
