Sri Lanka Port Authority & SL Customs
Customs E-Release Solution
Project Description
In our continuous efforts to enhance the operational efficiency at Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), we have successfully developed and implemented a custom E-release solution that significantly improves the communication between Sri Lanka Customs and SLPA. This solution was designed and executed by my team and me, with the primary goal of streamlining the container release process.
The E-release solution establishes a secure point-to-point VPN connection between SLPA and Sri Lanka Customs, ensuring that data transmission between the two entities is both safe and efficient. Through this connection, Sri Lanka Customs shares access to their Oracle database with SLPA. Every two minutes, our system reads the Customs database to extract relevant container details.
Once the container details are retrieved, they are passed to the Navis system via a dedicated API. This automated process facilitates the swift release of container holds within both the Terminal Management System (TMS) and the Cargo Management System (CMS). By doing so, we enable customers to efficiently release their containers from the terminal, significantly reducing processing time and enhancing the overall operational flow.
This E-release solution marks a critical advancement in SLPA’s digital transformation efforts, allowing for a more integrated and responsive system that meets the demands of modern port operations. The successful deployment of this solution reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and operational efficiency at Colombo Port.
About
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)’s Colombo Port is a rapidly expanding shipping hub in the South Asia region, serving as a gateway for cargo to Europe, East and South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa. Handling 2.5 million TEU annually, Colombo Port has been developed to accommodate deep-water berths and the latest mainline vessels, ensuring it remains competitive in global maritime trade.
As the port’s business grew, SLPA recognized the need to enhance its operational capabilities by integrating more advanced systems. This led to the development and implementation of a custom E-release solution, aimed at modernizing the communication process between Sri Lanka Customs and SLPA, thus improving the efficiency of container handling and release operations.
The Steering Committee at SLPA noted, “The successful implementation of the E-release solution has been a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize Colombo Port. This project was a collaborative effort led by our dedicated team at SLPA, working closely with Access International. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the teams remained committed to executing this project seamlessly.”
The E-release solution, designed and developed by the Access team, including myself, established a secure point-to-point VPN connection between SLPA and Sri Lanka Customs. Through this secure connection, we access the Customs’ Oracle database every two minutes, extracting critical container details. These details are then passed to the Navis system via API, automating the release of container holds within both the Terminal Management System (TMS) and the Cargo Management System (CMS). This automation allows customers to efficiently release their containers from the terminal, significantly reducing processing time and improving overall operational efficiency.
SLPA’s leadership added, “We are proud to have implemented this E-release solution, which has allowed us to offer enhanced services to our customers. By automating the container release process, we have optimized our operations and improved our ability to meet the demands of the global shipping industry.”
With these advancements, Colombo Port is well-equipped to continue its growth as a leading transshipment hub, offering improved safety, efficiency, and productivity to support its expanding role in global trade.
Year
2016
Client
SLPA & SLC
Services
Solution Implementation
Project
Custom E-Release Solution
Description
In our continuous efforts to enhance the operational efficiency at Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), we have successfully developed and implemented a custom E-release solution that significantly improves the communication between Sri Lanka Customs and SLPA. This solution was designed and executed by my team and me, with the primary goal of streamlining the container release process.
The E-release solution establishes a secure point-to-point VPN connection between SLPA and Sri Lanka Customs, ensuring that data transmission between the two entities is both safe and efficient. Through this connection, Sri Lanka Customs shares access to their Oracle database with SLPA. Every two minutes, our system reads the Customs database to extract relevant container details.
Once the container details are retrieved, they are passed to the Navis system via a dedicated API. This automated process facilitates the swift release of container holds within both the Terminal Management System (TMS) and the Cargo Management System (CMS). By doing so, we enable customers to efficiently release their containers from the terminal, significantly reducing processing time and enhancing the overall operational flow.
This E-release solution marks a critical advancement in SLPA’s digital transformation efforts, allowing for a more integrated and responsive system that meets the demands of modern port operations. The successful deployment of this solution reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and operational efficiency at Colombo Port.
“We are thrilled to be running with N4 so we can provide the best possible service to our customers through new and automated processes which will help optimize our operations at the port.”
