Digitalizing vessel call management for APM Terminals Tangier
Client
APM Terminals Tangier
APM Terminals Tangier (Maersk Group)
Solution
Vessel Calls Management (VCM)
a digital platform for centralized vessel call management
Transforming port performance through a Vessel Calls Management solution: One Stop One Shop
APM Terminals Tangier is one of Africa’s most strategic container terminals, operating within Tanger Med Port, one of the largest logistics hubs in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
A subsidiary of the Danish group A.P. Møller – Maersk, the terminal handles thousands of vessel calls every year and connects Morocco to major global shipping corridors.
In a context of sustained growth in volumes, higher productivity demands, and increasing operational complexity, APM Terminals Tangier entrusted Shared System with the design and implementation of a digital vessel call management solution (Vessel Calls Management – VCM).
The objective:centralize, automate, and optimize the entire lifecycle of a vessel call.
1. Project challenges
Managing vessel calls in an international terminal requires constant real-time coordination between multiple stakeholders, including terminal planning, the harbour master’s office, quay operations, pilotage, towage, shipping agents, shipowners, customs, port security, and operational teams.
Before the project was implemented, several major challenges were identified: fragmented operational visibility with information coming from multiple sources and often updated manually, complex coordination where every change in ETA, berth allocation, or operational sequence immediately affected several departments, strong performance pressure requiring fast vessel turnaround in a no-margin-for-error environment, and a growing need for anticipation so the terminal could better absorb peaks in activity and optimize the use of its resources.
2. The solution developed by Shared System
Shared System designed a business web platform dedicated to centralized vessel call management.
2.1 Key features
The Vessel Calls Management solution designed by Shared System was built as a complete, secure, and scalable business platform, covering all operational and administrative needs related to vessel call management.
- Modern, intuitive, responsive web interface
- Real-time operational dashboards
- User-profile-based navigation
- Overview and detailed views of calls, vessels, and voyages
User and access rights management
- Centralized administration of user accounts
- Role and permission management by function
- Secure access control by module and by data
- User action traceability
Codification and reference data management
- Configuration of ports, terminals, berths, and operational zones
- Call codes, statuses, service types, and events
- Flexible configuration based on business needs
Vessel management
- Centralized vessel database
- History of previous calls
- Classification by vessel type
- Advanced multi-criteria search
Voyage management
- Voyage creation and tracking
- ETA, ATA, ETD, ATD
- Change history
Crew management
- Recording crew information
- Crew manifests
- Embarkation / disembarkation movements
- Document control and compliance
- Coordination with the relevant authorities
2.2 Results achieved
Deploying the Vessel Calls Management solution enabled APM Terminals Tangier to take another step forward in the digitalization of its port operations. By centralizing information, streamlining coordination among stakeholders, and strengthening real-time control, the platform delivered measurable gains both operationally and strategically.
- Significant reduction in manual exchanges and scattered processing
- Better synchronization between internal teams and external partners
- Faster operational decision-making
- Lower risk of errors and information inconsistencies
Higher productivity
- Optimized use of berths and terminal resources
- Reduced vessel waiting times
- Improved vessel turnaround
- Better absorption of activity peaks
Real-time visibility and control
- Consolidated view of all current and upcoming vessel calls
- Dynamic dashboards and reliable indicators
- Early detection of delays or operational conflicts
- Stronger management control capabilities
Customer service quality
- More proactive communication with shipping lines and agents
- Greater reliability of operational commitments
- Better transparency on operational status
- Improved customer satisfaction and terminal image
3. Key success factors
The success of this strategic project relied on a balanced combination of port-domain expertise, technological mastery, and results-oriented execution. Shared System used a pragmatic approach that ensured rapid adoption of the solution while meeting the high demands of an international terminal with intense operational throughput.
3.1 Deep understanding of port operations
- Detailed analysis of vessel call processes and field constraints
- Consideration of interactions between planning, berth operations, the harbour master’s office, and nautical services
- Alignment of the solution with the terminal’s operational realities
3.2 Co-construction with business teams
- Scoping workshops with key users
- Progressive validation of functional requirements
- Rapid prototyping of screens and workflows
- Strong stakeholder involvement throughout the project
3.3 Robust and scalable architecture
- Secure and high-performance web solution
- Scalability suited to heavy traffic
- Interoperability with the terminal’s existing systems
- Strong foundation for future Smart Port extensions
3.3.1 Results-driven approach
- Continuous focus on concrete operational gains
- Prioritizing business value from the earliest phases
- Measurable improvement in coordination, visibility, and productivity
- Direct contribution to the overall performance of Tanger Med Port
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