Associated British Ports has invested £1.5m a a project to digitalise asset management across its network of 21 ports, providing a mobile solution that will enhance the reliability and sustainability of port operations.
ABP says an investment of this size reaffirms its role as a pioneer in driving digitalisation in the UK ports sector. In collaboration with Mainsaver and Spidex, this wider rollout follows a successful pilot of the new technology, undertaken at ports including Immingham and Hull.
Working with ABP employees in roles which interact with Mainsaver Connect maintenance management application software, the trial ensured that both large and small ports were considered to fully test the practicalities of implementing and allocating work in a digital manner.
The deployment of the product, Mainsaver Connect, is a mobile derivative of the Mainsaver Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), a US product which is supported by Spidex, a UK based developer and affiliated support arm.
Mike McCartain, ABP’s Group Director of Safety, Engineering & Marine, said: “Going digital with our asset management is an important step in building the sustainable Ports of the Future, where information is shared accurately and instantaneously, so that we can make well-informed decisions, spot trends and optimise the safety and sustainability of our operations.”
The mobile device rollout, which begins this week, will include the deployment of hundreds of tablets and focussed training sessions for engineers across ABP’s regions, which will aim to equip them with the skills and knowledge to work optimally and maximise the benefits they get from using the technology.
Taking place in parallel across ABP’s business regions of the Humber, Southampton and Wales and Short Sea Ports, the rollout will be delivered via a team approach, headed up by a lead ABP representative in each region.
Nicole Geraghty, ABP Port Planner (Maintenance), said: “I really look forward to working with this powerful new tool. It’s helpful that it will provide access to ‘real time’ information, saving our engineering teams time and ultimately keeping being able to make informed decisions based on accurate information.’”
“It is an exciting time at ABP as we see investments not only in digitalisation but also in upskilling our people and electrifying plant, cranes, vehicles as part of our ambition to make port operations more sustainable. I am thoroughly enjoying being part of ABP during this new phase.”
