North Carolina Ports to implement the Navis N4 terminal operating system

While ports nationwide are clamoring for more federal funding for infrastructure, there have been several examples of some that have been proactively investing in their terminal operations to improve container throughput. 

Oakland, CA-based Navis, a provider of operational technologies and services designed to unlock greater performance and efficiency for the world’s leading organizations across the shipping supply chain, recently announced at NavisWorld in San Francisco that North Carolina Ports has selected the Navis N4 terminal operating system (TOS) to power its Wilmington and Morehead City port facilities and its inland terminal in Charlotte, NC.

With combined annual twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of almost 400,000 and over four million tons of general cargo throughput while operating efficient water- and landside operations on the East Coast of the United States, North Carolina Ports have been recognized for their self-sustaining operations

However, like many terminals globally, rising shipper expectations amid surging demand has put added pressure on Wilmington, Morehead City and the Charlotte terminal to consistently perform. In order to support these changing business requirements, as well as achieve competitive advantages in the region, North Carolina Ports opted for N4.

According to spokesmen, the N4 implementation is part of a “transformational” terminal enhancement project to support future growth and automation plans at North Carolina Ports facilities.

At the Port of Wilmington, container throughput capacity will double from 600,000 to 1.2 million TEUs. A redesigned truck gate complex combined with container yard expansion plans will enable the port to grow and meet evolving customer demands while maintaining efficiencies.

“Navis’ technology produces the best opportunity for North Carolina Ports to use a single platform for all cargo handled at our terminals,” adds Bill Corcoran, CIO of North Carolina Ports. “Our ambitions reach well beyond the terminal operating systems and N4 gives us the foundation we need to increase velocity, safety and volume. We will achieve this via a series of automation projects connecting our technology with operations, our customers and the entire port constituency.”

In an interview with LM, Corcoran adds that the port also aims to substantially improve safety, speed and visibility. 

“Today, our production levels and turn times are among the best in the industry,” he says. This application, together with several other automation and infrastructure initiatives will allow us to maintain flexibility.”

Corcoran says that the goal is to automate “in lock step” with strategy for growth.

“It is not our intent to lock this terminal down with strict automation processes that put customers in a box when managing their freight through our ports,” he concludes. 

The N4 TOS implementation will begin spring 2019 and full implementation will coincide with the new container gate complex in late 2021. As part of the agreement, Navis will also provide a variety of professional services and training support to North Carolina Ports to ensure the smooth implementation and future operation of N4.

“North Carolina Ports has a strong pedigree and successful track record supporting and enhancing the economy of North Carolina with its streamlined operations,” says Susan Gardner, Vice President and General Manager, Americas, Navis. 

She concludes by noting that the port complex “looks to raise the bar” on its terminal operations.