Latest news with #PortCommunitySystems

Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Maritime Chain Crucial To ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Ties
By Harizah Hanim Mohamed KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) – A maritime value chain that facilitates shipping connectivity and secures sea lanes, along with the ability to counter disruptions, is vital for ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China in their quest to consolidate tripartite economic cooperation and integration. 'Comprehensive maritime connectivity is crucial in ASEAN, Asia and the Gulf where 90 per cent of regional trade relies on shipping,' said Ang Chip Hup, former national consultant for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Besides this, over 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through ASEAN waters including the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, making shipping and port infrastructure vital for economic growth. He cited how there were better opportunities for maritime connectivity by expanding into these regions through an enhanced ASEAN Single Shipping Network. 'Such a move was possible by increasing feeder ports from China to the Gulf via ASEAN, thereby reducing congestion at major hubs,' he told Bernama ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit here on May 26 to May 27, 2025. Malaysia, as this year's rotating Chair of ASEAN, is hosting the inaugural trilateral summit with the GCC, China, and Southeast Asian nations under the Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' Amid disruptions to trade precipitated by debilitating tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on 168 countries, including some of the highest tariffs on some ASEAN countries and China, countries are looking to deepen integration to be self-reliant trade-wise. Ang said that economies should also look into expanding Port Community Systems (PCS) for real-time cargo tracking and emphasise on green and efficient shipping.


Zawya
11-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Port and Freezone and IPCSA host first port community systems masterclass in the region
Muscat, Oman - SOHAR Port and Freezone, in collaboration with the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), is proud to announce the launch of a specialized training programme on Port Community Systems (PCS). This initiative supports the National Port Community System Project led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, which aims to enhance digital efficiency across Oman's ports. The four-day masterclass will bring together terminal operators and government stakeholders for comprehensive training on the implementation and governance of integrated PCS solutions. The programme is designed to accelerate SOHAR's digital transformation, enhance the skills of stakeholders, and support the Ministry's efforts in driving digital innovation across the sector. As the first IPCSA-led masterclass of its kind in the region, this initiative reflects SOHAR Port and Freezone's commitment to adopting global best practices, promoting digital excellence, and supporting Oman's Vision 2040. It positions SOHAR as a regional leader in trade facilitation, ensuring secure, efficient, and integrated logistics services. The Masterclass will cover essential aspects of PCS development and operation, beginning with an introduction to PCS concepts, stakeholder engagement, and foundational principles of building a robust port community. It will then explore governance frameworks, business models, and implementation strategies, followed by an in-depth examination of modern PCS IT architectures, resilience measures, and emerging challenges for digital port ecosystems. The programme will conclude with a detailed review of PCS operational processes, international standards, and the range of services enabled by PCS platfo His Excellency Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al-Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Transport, emphasized that the Port Community System (PCS) is one of the key systems supporting the implementation of the Oman Logistics Strategy 2040. It enhances the Sultanate's competitiveness, facilitates trade, improves operational efficiency, accelerates transaction processing, and provides easy access to shipment and vessel information by digitizing the supply chain in the Sultanate. His Excellency further explained that the project will cover major ports, airports, and border crossings nationwide. It will integrate automated cargo handling systems (including cranes, conveyors, and robots) with the digital Port Community System (PCS) to ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders, enable real-time shipment tracking using Internet of Things (IoT), and implement predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence. 'The Masterclass will equip our people with the expertise to drive digital transformation, strengthen collaboration across our stakeholder ecosystem, and ensure SOHAR remains a benchmark for smart, secure, and sustainable trade,' said Jasim Al Yamani, VP of Technology at SOHAR Port and Freezone. 'Our partnership with IPCSA reflects our commitment to global best practices and to delivering lasting value for our customers, the logistics industry, and Oman's future as a regional gateway.' By enabling industry stakeholders with the latest knowledge and tools, SOHAR Port and Freezone and IPCSA are paving the way for a more resilient and connected trade ecosystem. This initiative not only supports Oman's ambitions for economic diversification and global competitiveness but also serves as an invitation for partners and stakeholders to collaborate with the National Port Community System initiative led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in building an advanced, technology-driven logistics system ready for the future. About SOHAR Port and Freezone As one of the world's most rapidly growing integrated industrial and logistics projects, SOHAR Port and Freezone capitalizes on its strategic location to cement its status as a crucial logistics hub in the region and globally. A unique collaboration between the Port of Rotterdam and ASYAD Group marks it as a key mega-project in Oman, offering a range of services including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated Cargo terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR is the main gateway for Oman's import and export, contributing 2.1% to the nation's GDP and creating almost 42,000 jobs. Committed to sustainable development and advanced technology, SOHAR is modernizing logistics infrastructure in line with the economic diversification goals of Oman's 2040 Vision.


Al Etihad
25-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Maqta Technologies Group, Indra Group to develop solutions for smart ports
25 Mar 2025 11:50 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) AD Ports Group on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership agreement signed between its digital arm, Maqta Technologies Group, and the Indra Group to explore opportunities for jointly offering digitalisation services and solutions for ports, logistics, and trade across Europe, the Middle East, and agreement outlines that Maqta Technologies Group and Indra Group will collaborate and leverage their technical expertise to develop solutions for smart ports and trade digitalisation. This includes Port Community Systems (PCS), port, maritime, and logistics Single Windows, as well as solutions to enhance the logistics chain's efficiency and they will focus on port, multi-modal terminal, and border management systems, as well as other smart mobility solutions, which will enhance the market offerings of both Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Maqta Technologies Group and Digital Cluster - AD Ports Group, said, 'By forging strong collaborations, where shared vision of innovation and sustainability unlock opportunities of mutual success and growth, we fast-track our international ambitions. "Partnership agreements, such as this with Indra, mark yet another milestone, in addition to serving as a gateway to Europe and Africa. Maqta Technologies' proven expertise in driving seamless digital transformation of trade and logistics processes will offer a key competitive advantage.'Ángel Escribano, Executive Chairman of Indra Group, said, 'This agreement constitutes another step forward in Indra's international growth strategy, in this case in its Mobility business, in close collaboration with a prominent ally such as Maqta Technologies, which, in addition to its extensive knowledge of technology for trade and the port and logistics sector, has significant access to high-potential regional markets from the UAE. Indra will bring its expertise in port technology, deployed in more than 70 ports worldwide.'Both sides emphasised the importance of this partnership in driving international growth and delivering competitive advantages through seamless digital transformation. This agreement not only strengthens their market offerings but also opens new opportunities for mutual success and growth in high-potential regional markets.


Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Maqta Technologies Group, Indra Group to develop solutions for smart ports
ABU DHABI -- AD Ports Group today announced a strategic partnership agreement signed between its digital arm, Maqta Technologies Group, and the Indra Group to explore opportunities for jointly offering digitalisation services and solutions for ports, logistics, and trade across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The agreement outlines that Maqta Technologies Group and Indra Group will collaborate and leverage their technical expertise to develop solutions for smart ports and trade digitalisation. This includes Port Community Systems (PCS), port, maritime, and logistics Single Windows, as well as solutions to enhance the logistics chain's efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, they will focus on port, multi-modal terminal, and border management systems, as well as other smart mobility solutions, which will enhance the market offerings of both companies. Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Maqta Technologies Group and Digital Cluster - AD Ports Group, said, 'By forging strong collaborations, where shared vision of innovation and sustainability unlock opportunities of mutual success and growth, we fast-track our international ambitions. Partnership agreements, such as this with Indra, mark yet another milestone, in addition to serving as a gateway to Europe and Africa. Maqta Technologies' proven expertise in driving seamless digital transformation of trade and logistics processes will offer a key competitive advantage.' Ángel Escribano, Executive Chairman of Indra Group, said, 'This agreement constitutes another step forward in Indra's international growth strategy, in this case in its Mobility business, in close collaboration with a prominent ally such as Maqta Technologies, which, in addition to its extensive knowledge of technology for trade and the port and logistics sector, has significant access to high-potential regional markets from the UAE. Indra will bring its expertise in port technology, deployed in more than 70 ports worldwide.' Both sides emphasised the importance of this partnership in driving international growth and delivering competitive advantages through seamless digital transformation. This agreement not only strengthens their market offerings but also opens new opportunities for mutual success and growth in high-potential regional markets.