English
SIA “Rīgas Universālais termināls” (RUT) is the first of the Riga port terminals, where in the framework of the pilot project from March 1 of the current year the circulation of documents for road dry bulk cargo takes place only digitally, and the entry of trucks, as well their servicing within the terminal territory - is fully automated. This is a result of the digitization of the Riga port processes started last year, where one of the first steps was development and implementation of an automated autonomous pass system in the port. Within the framework of the project, it is also planned to digitize the circulation of documents for cargo transportation to the port terminals, as well as to automate the entry of persons and cargo into the port territory.
“We are at the beginning of a great journey. Due to the pilot project implemented in the territory of the company RUT currently it is possible to test and evaluate the impact of the automated and autonomous pass system on the business processes of the port terminals. Here we see great economic and competitive benefits. At the same time, due to the Covid-19 pandemic it is clear that automated contactless solutions are not only fast and efficient, but also much more secure ones,” emphasized Viesturs Zeps, Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Board, confirming the Freeport Authority's commitment to implement the system throughout the port territory.
“The automated system implemented at the terminal allows to reduce the service time of one truck by up to 3 times - instead of the previous 45 minutes, the truck spends only a quarter of an hour in the port. We significantly increase the speed of cargo movement, providing for the accuracy, visibility and control of processes. The benefit of the automated system implementation is obvious, therefore we have set the company's goal - to fully automate and digitize all processes related to cargo handling, including railway cargo, in five years, ”said Jānis Kasalis, the Executive Director of the SIA “Rīgas Universālais Termināls”. “Sustainability and the environment protection issues are also being addressed. We have calculated that paperless invoicing at our terminal saves at least one A4 paper package per day, that is about 500 sheets of paper, “continued Jānis Kasalis.
The project of an automated and autonomous port pass system is based on the introduction of a single online system, where the data entered by the consignor can be used by all parties involved in the logistics chain. Modern technologies used at the port entry/exit control posts and port companies - digital information signs, vehicle number plate and container number detection and recognition system, axle scales, biometric access control systems, self-service portals, and other solutions will foster full automation of the cargo delivery and the entry of persons into the port territory, from recognition, control and entry into the port area, to the processes at the port terminal – such as weighing cargo, cargo data processing and transportation to the required warehouse.
“The system is a huge data exchange network, where not only the Freeport of Riga Authority and the port companies, but also many other institutions and organizations should be involved,” emphasized Viesturs Zeps. “Currently, we have established a joint working group with the SRS Customs Board, State Border Guard, Food and Veterinary Service, Latvian Maritime Administration, Latvian Railways and other organizations involved in the cargo logistics chain to determine common requirements for the development of the system for all parties involved,” added the Chairman of the Board.
Digitized document circulation and automation of the logistics process in the Port of Riga would not only speed up cargo handling, enhancing cargo safety and control capacity, but also reduce car downtime, traffic congestion in the city and related exhaust emissions. Given that more than half a million trucks, tens of thousands of wagons and several thousand ships enter and leave the port of Riga every year, the automation and digitization of the port processes shall provide significant changes not only in the port and the city of Riga, but even nationwide.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
