The Strategic Role of Port Community Systems for enhancing Business Operations and Productivity: The Case of the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa

Abstract

The implementation of “single window” IT systems in port management is a widely accepted practice that is being met with an ever-increasing popularity worldwide. This work is motivated by the results of an Adriatic Port Community (APC) project, in which Igoumenitsa Port Authority, along with two other ports, designed and developed a number of modules toward a single window IT system. The project represents a first effort toward the implementation of a full scale IT system and started with the analysis of each port’s procedures and unique characteristics. Moreover, the ports’ processes and critical issues were identified through interviews with their stakeholders using appropriately designed questionnaires.

In this manuscript we describe the design and implementation of a Port Community System (PCS) in Igoumenitsa and demonstrate its interoperability with respective systems in ports of the Adriatic for the creation of a “single window.” The central theme in this effort is the improvement of the provided value-added services to the customers of the port. Moreover, the system was designed for an easy adoption of European directives and regulations in the maritime sector, as well as for a more efficient movement of goods and passengers through the respective ports.

The design of the PCS was based on a service-oriented architecture (SOA), integrating all the benefits during the development phase and enabling the possibilities to meet future needs. Finally, modern practices were used to ensure interoperability (web services, XML) and communication with external systems and the single window.

The developed PCS includes applications for the effective management of the arrival and departure of ships, customs clearance of imported/exported goods, reservation of parking spaces within the port area, as well as a solution for complete visibility of port’s operations.