Bahrain has become one of two countries globally, where APM Terminals has launched the new online customer platform called Lift. According to APMT, the Lift portal allows clients to track and trace their goods, check the status of shipments and vessels and schedule deliveries, all 24/7.
Using a user-friendly interface, Lift connects users to the container terminal, enabling them to manage all aspects of the terminal process: see their cargo’s status at the facility in real-time, schedule appointments for destuffing containers, make payments, receive invoices. The data can be accessed online from any device 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Lift optimizes customers’ operations and improves their business by eliminating the need for agents to be present in person, saving time and reducing costs. It also creates transparency surrounding the readiness of their shipments and available slots, which helps importers better plan their business.
The new system is seen as being a major step in the digitization of logistical services.
The Lift system has been piloted by APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), a multi-purpose facility for domestic cargo and cruise traffic and a transhipment hub for the growing Gulf shipping market.
The portal was inaugurated at a ceremony at Wyndham Grand Hotel by transportation and telecommunications minister Kamal Ahmed, who praised the port operator for introducing advanced digital systems to improve user-experience and operations.
Mark Hardiman, APM Terminals Bahrain Managing Director, said: “With supply chains becoming global, technology is having a major impact on improving accessibility and efficiency for the port sector. We are committed to investing in KBSP’s digital future to support Bahrain’s transportation and logistics sector growth.”
The new system has already received a warm welcome on the part of the terminal’s customers.
According to Lathish Nair, Managing Director of Samson Freight, Lift “is not only easy to use and spares the physical effort of travelling to the port, but also provides the much required transparency for my customers on the availability of appointment slots”. Previously administrators would have to visit the terminal twice every day to book and pay for services but Lift has cut this to one trip in the last month.
“With the use of credit card payments, we now benefit from the administration of cash management and get a credit period before payment through the card provider which improves our working capital,” said Shehbaz Ameen, senior manager freight at Agility.