Felixstowe leads the port industry with its application of information technology. It pioneered the introduction of a computerised Customs clearance system in the UK ports industry. Known today as Destin8, the system has developed through close co-operation between the Port, Customers and HM Revenue & Customs. The system is regularly upgraded and enhanced to meet the evolving needs of the trading community, covering imports, exports, transhipments and DG declarations.

Through extensive use of proactive EDI, online access via the internet and a dedicated managed network, Shipping Lines, Agents, Forwarders and Hauliers carry out the majority of their business transactions electronically in real-time. This results in information becoming immediately available to those who need it and eliminates unnecessary and time consuming paperwork.

Destin8 arose from the rapidly expanding volume of cargo being handled at Felixstowe and the resulting pressure this placed on manual documentation procedures. Individual sector interests are protected by the Board of Maritime Cargo Processing plc (MCP), a community company which markets, manages and develops the system on a commercial basis.

Shipping Lines, Agents and Freight Forwarders are represented on the Board of MCP by two members of the Felixstowe Port Users’ Association. Day-to-day operation of Destin8 is vested in the Port of Felixstowe’s Information Systems Department as the System Operator. The Port is also an end user in its capacity as a Terminal Operator.

In conjunction with Destin8, the Port of Felixstowe operates an extensive suite of computer systems which interface with the Destin8 inventory control. These include container/ro- ro control (CHARTS), Navis (SPARCS) Ship and Yard Planning, RTG real-time work scheduling and recording (RTO), Tug Scheduling systems to control the allocation of work to Internal Movement Vehicles (TSS), a graphic based real-time management system (RTM), a park hazardous inventory system (PHIS) and a Rail Management and Control System (SCORPIO), all of which are designed to provide accurate up-to-date information on cargo passing through the Port. This has resulted in greater efficiency and further elimination of paperwork. Examples of such facilities include electronic releasing of containers to hauliers to transfer to inland destinations,

EDI for bay plans and stowage instructions, and paperless transhipment declarations/clearances.

The Port will continue to invest in IT over the coming years to ensure Felixstowe maintains its pre-eminent position.

CHARTS
A management control and planning system for container and ro-ro terminals, providing information relating to location, status and availability of cargo.

SPARCS
An advanced Ship & Yard Planning System.

Destin8
The community system which processes customs entries and provides inventory control for all imports, exports, transhipments and hazardous cargoes.

Internet / EDI Gateway
Provides world wide access to the community and Port Systems.

RTM
A real time graphical management system which constantly monitors cargo operations and updates system parameters to meet demands.

TSS
An advanced Tug (internal movement vehicle) scheduling system which optimises resources with workload.

RTO
A real time operational system, which despatches work to cargo handling equipment using radio data transmission and records the physical location of containers placed in the park.

MARINE
A real time management marine information system which automatically updates Destin8 with vessel arrival and departure information.

SCORPIO
A real time graphical system providing vital management and control facility for our Rail terminals.