The port of Oakland launched a new tech platform, called the Oakland Portal, which is expected to provide a single point of entry to seaport operations. The platform is believed to be an industry first in the digitalization of the containerized cargo transportation.
The platform gives users access to the Port’s marine terminals all in a single location. A future iteration would incorporate real-time performance metrics and dashboards customized for the various Portal users such as motor carriers and cargo owners. The Port expect to provide these additional upgrades in early 2019.
As such, the Oakland Portal is thought to be the first digital collaboration platform that aggregates shipping information from every marine terminal in a harbor. Terminals are where ships, trucks and trains converge to transport the world’s containerized trade.
Port of Oakland Maritime Director, John Driscoll, stated:
This is what our industry is asking for. We’re providing a comprehensive digital view of ships, cargo and terminal information all in one place on the computer…no more clicking through multiple websites.
The data includes:
- Vessel schedules;
- Cargo status; and
- Live camera views of Port thoroughfares.
The features are available to all users. Additional specialized functions such as paying terminal fees, cargo status updates, and trucker appointments – are available with registration and a login.
The Port said supply chain operators would better manage trade flow with the portal in place. For instance, cargo owners would know with greater precision when to expect merchandise. Trucking companies would know exactly when and where to dispatch drivers for container pick-up.
The online portals are a response to supply chain operators who express challenges about the difficulty of tracking their containerized cargo door to door.
