Dutch location data firm Here Technologies is helping the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) transform its container truck ecosystem to optimise the movement of goods at its ports.

The port of Singapore as the world’s second busiest port in terms of container volume. With global connectivity being key to its success, PSA is linked to more than 600 ports worldwide and handled 38.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year.

To increase truck resource use and eliminate operational inefficiencies for Singapore’s container trucking community, PSA developed OptETruck (www.portnet.com/WWWPublic/pdt_optetruck.html), a cloud-based transport management system with features such as automated scheduling and asset pooling for truck drivers.

Powered by Here’s tour planning and location services, OptETruck allocates jobs to drivers based on their location, offering real-time optimisation of routes and truck assignments. This not only reduces empty runs – truck trips without any freight loaded – but also ensures drivers are allocated jobs close to their current location. This improves overall transit and waiting times, drivers’ well-being and operational efficiency, while reducing carbon emission.

Companies that adopted OptETruck have been able to demonstrate about 50 per cent reduction in empty runs. This translates to an annual reduction of approximately ten million kilograms of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 300,000 trees in a year.

“Working closely with the digital transformation arm of PSA, we designed a way to utilise location technology to address the specific challenges of the container truck ecosystem around the port of Singapore,” said Kushal Rajveer, head of supply chain for Asia-Pacific at Here Technologies. “We’re pleased with the results from early adopters of the OptETruck, which has given PSA confidence to onboard more than 50 per cent of container trucks entering and exiting Singapore’s ports by end of this year.”

According to Here Technologies, logistics companies within Asia-Pacific want turnkey options that are easy to implement without expensive, time consuming and labour-intensive overhauls. This collaboration between Here and PSA directly addresses this need by providing PSA with a seamless, easy-to-implement option tailored to its requirements.

“Our close collaboration with Here has enabled us to consistently push the boundaries of technology and efficiency in port logistics, and we’re thrilled by the initial results,” said Sriram Ramanujam, assistant vice president at PSA (www.singaporepsa.com). “OptETruck has met the needs of Singapore’s trucking community and sets the stage for a sustainable future, transforming the logistics industry into a well-connected and resilient hub, aligning perfectly with our commitment to contributing to Singapore’s vision as a smart nation. We look forward to continuing this journey of pioneering innovations with Here, shaping the future of port logistics and further solidifying PSA’s position as a global leader in the port and supply chain industry.”

Deon Newman, senior vice president at Here Technologies, added: “Together with PSA, we are going beyond mere logistics optimisation, we’re enabling PSA to set new standards in port management on a global scale. This collaboration not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions PSA at the forefront of innovation, ultimately supporting Singapore’s ambition to be a smart nation.”

Here (here.com) has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years. Its platform powers location-based products, services and custom maps for organisations and enterprises across the globe.