Firstly we integrated with the ports own AIS devices to provide real-time visualisation of vessel movements on approach to, and within, the estuary. This enabled all uses in the port to see accurate information on vessel location.

Next up, we enhanced that with an integration to the vessel booking system. This allows us to enhance the visual representation of the vessel with key information relating to the vessel call.

With information on planned vessel movements, such as ETA, ETD and berth, we are able to place vessels accurately on the map, and by providing the user with a means of moving through the timeline, represent vessels visually, in position, to show how the scenario will appear in the future. This helps users easily understand problems such as berth clash.

Moving on to the landside, our next step was to integrate to stock systems to visualise stock values in port stores. We receive real and near-real time updates from multiple stock systems to show the latest position of aggregate and animal feed stocks within the port.

While this is useful for understanding the current position, having the ability to understand what future stocks may look like, and how that might influence berth planning was the ultimate goal. While the port cannot currently predict with accuracy the movement of stock out of stores, significant historical data allows us to make a good estimate of future patterns of uplift.