GMD UPFRONT MESSAGE

 

Technology and Resources Innovation in Asia

In this latest edition, you will read about our efforts in rolling out remote-control quay cranes and rubber-tyred gantry cranes in our Asian ports to support growth in volumes. We believe it will provide many benefits and advantages in terms of reliability, safety and operational efficiency.

Recruitment and retention of crane drivers will be improved as the remote-control centres are in air-conditioned offices that provide greatly improved working environment.

We will be expanding the remote-control operations to other business units throughout our global network. We are also pleased to announce that our first Regional Operations Centre (ROC) in Pakistan is scheduled to open by the end of the year. From there, all shipping operations across Asia will be monitored and managed by our specialist team.

Ultimately these latest initiatives are aimed at making our operations more efficient and cost competitive, which will be a focus for the Group moving forward.

There are things we can learn from our customers, the shipping lines, who have implemented rationalisation programmes for many years, focusing on optimising vessel size and speed. Container terminals by contrast have focused on investment to improve productivity and reliability.

Now we will refocus our efforts on cost reduction by working smart and finding ways to do things more effectively and efficiently. By leveraging new technology and new thinking, we are able to stay competitive and maintain our market leading position.

 

Eric Ip
Group Managing Director
Hutchison Ports