Abu Dhabi ports go digital

Maqta Gateway to reduce paper work and processing time for customers

Import and export cargos can be tracked, cleared and booked online by customers as Abu Dhabi Ports Company prepares to launch new services.

“We will capture data and analyse it to utilise our assets better,” says Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, in an interview with Khaleej Times.

“It’s a single window and platform linking freight forwarders, banks and other customers to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise time to transact business. It will boost through put, the chief excurtive said.

In the second phase other components of transport system i.e. Etihad Rail, airports, land borders will be linked to serve all of the volume movements, he said.

In the initial phase focus will be on Khalifa Port’s containers, RoRo, general cargo activity while others will be served later. In many ports where such a system works, ports activities have become 20-30 per cent more efficient and resulted in cost of doing business, Captain Al Shamisi said.

Maqta Gateway launched by Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, will make transactions between Abu Dhabi ports, customers and service partners more efficient and transparent.

The new service, which will go into operation from the third quarter next year, will reduce paperwork, administration and processing times as it will standardise information and messages and increase security and decrease risks by increasing transparency, says the chief executive officer.

The new system will provide a single point of contact and real time information at any time of the day — and anywhere via mobile devices, provide a powerful analytical tool for decision-making, ensure smooth transport and logistics operations between Abu Dhabi ports, airports and railway networks feed into wider global supply chain communication platforms. Al Shamisi said Maqta Gate Way will accelerate development and trade in the emirate and significantly contribute to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

Maqta Gateway is a ports community system, which will offer ports, exporters, importers, shipping lines, customs and government agencies a single point of contact and real time information at any time of the day - even via mobile, significantly enhancing processing times and communication procedures.

Maqta Gateway takes its name from the Maqta Bridge which was the first crossing to link Abu Dhabi Island with the mainland. It was a crucial connection for Abu Dhabi’s trade and development and the Maqta Gateway will be a crucial ‘bridge’ for future business opportunities, both nationally and globally.

“Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, our customers need high levels of predictability, visibility and transparency for their cargoes, ports that can provide this will have a competitive edge and will offer value added service to their customers,” said Al Shamsi.

It will make import and export activities more efficient, transparent and thus more time and cost effective while guaranteeing optimum supply chain efficiency. ADPC already works to provide customers with a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach, this is the next step in that ‘ease of doing business’ strategy.

The new system will be delivered in stages through 2015 including vessel management facilities, and basic import and export processing functionality. The system will be expanded which the addition of new services through 2016 and 2017, he said.