Archives

South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd, (SAGT), has completed four years as the first private container terminal in Sri Lanka.

SAGT also celebrated the completion of the construction of its ultra modern facility at Queen Elizabeth Quay (QEQ) and the launch of its web site, on Monday.

With an annual capacity of over 1,000,000 TEUs, SAGT has one km of linear berth with 15m water depth, six Super Post Panamax quay cranes, three Post Panamax quay cranes and 28 Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes. SAGT management needs are covered by the management contract with P&O Ports.

Since becoming the first private container terminal in Sri Lanka's history, SAGT has many achievements in the Port of Colombo. They include increasing the QEQ annual throughput from 200,000 TEUs to over 500,000 TEUs and for the first time in the Colombo Port's history, a vessel was worked using three cranes at the old QEQ wharf. With the completion of the construction and the re-equipment of the QEQ facility, SAGT is one of the most modern container terminals in the region utilising the most sophisticated IT infrastructure.

SAGT also launched its web site e-Port (www.sagt.com.lk). The web site is packed with information that will meet the customers' most advanced needs. SAGT customers have access to more sophisticated services through the e-Port. Shippers, consignees and shipping lines can track their cargo movements on a real time basis, including demurrage charges up to a given date.

Inquiry options, custom report generation facilities, real time vessel operations and productivity monitoring are other features of the SAGT e-Port. The web site incorporates some of the best security features to protect against unauthorised access and maintain data integrity.

There is also SAGT's e-Port capability to provide a total 'Business-to-Business' (B2B) solution framework, where customers and suppliers get access to services such as electronic invoicing and payment, credit inquiries and electronic delivery processing. These options will be enabled in future stages.

SAGT has also introduced terminal service agreements with performance guarantees. Further improvements attributable to SAGT have been the use of computerised Vessel and Yard Planning Systems and Terminal Management Systems.

SAGT's strategic planning has resulted in may first of its kind innovations for Sri Lanka.

One such is the introduction of window berthing programs. Another is a shift to the current paradigm now encompassing a 24x7x365 working culture through the introduction at SAGT of an employee friendly 12 hour, two shifts, three working group working system that has also removed the need for excessive overtime.

Superior service is another advantage which SAGT has provided its customers. It is demonstrated by the introduction of a Documentation Center outside the Port and the launch of its web site. They will allow land side customers and shipping lines to track technology and provide customers with the quickest route to clearing their cargo.

Shipping lines are better served with the introduction of direct billing to main line operators leading to more benefits for all partners.

SAGT is responsible for introducing the concept of efficient customer service to the Port of Colombo.

Staff training and reviews have provided SAGT to show its commitment to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This includes avoiding or minimising the negative environmental impact of the port on its surroundings.

SAGT also meets the highest standards laid forth internationally for maintaining occupational health, safety and environment protection criteria.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager