Singapore - Port Community Systems (English)

The Port Community System (PCS) of Singapore started in 1984, when the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) (now Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, MPA) introduced its business to business (B2B) port logistics portal services (PORTNET). Since then, PORTNET, has become an extended PCS solution, enabling a Single Window environment and efficiency of port logistics and container handling services. This case study focuses on how PORTNET was implemented in Singapore where high trans-shipment cargo volumes converge, and many different players operate. Singapore is one of the world's busiest hub ports and waterways. In 2022 more than 140,000 ships called on the port and 577.7 million tons of cargo and 37.3 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) of containers passed through Singapore. Each hour 9 ships arrive and depart from 67 berths. This case study focuses on how the three main objectives set out for the platform were achieved. The first included developing a collaborative electronic platform that facilitates end-to-end information flow and creates value for port users, trade and logistics businesses and government agencies. The second was to achieve operational efficiency and service excellence for the port and logistics community. Thirdly, another objective was providing an integrated database to capture all vessel and container and cargo information which was used as a single window for each of the port's Terminal Operations System (TOS) to receive and disseminate such information in real-time.