Following a call for tenders launched in 2012, the port community of Dunkirk chose MGI to implement the Cargo Community System. A training period took place between 4 March and 5 April to train future AP+ users. A total 259 employees including shipping and forwarding agents, handlers, customs and the harbour master’s operatives were trained by MGI teams.
Dunkirk, the third largest port in France after Le Havre and Marseille, handles containers, general cargo, bulk shipments and RoRo vessels. Since the launch, AP+ import, export and trans-shipment modules have been installed.
Alain Perez, AP+ Dunkirk project manager at MGI said: “The requirements set by the UMC – Dunkirk’s Trade and Maritime association, the degree of mobilisation of Dunkirk operators and the GECOM’s involvement has enabled us to offer the most extensive AP+ operating scope ever seen.”
Patrick Nerrière further added: “The GECOM expressed its need to develop its shared information system according to a long-term perspective. The port community of Dunkirk doesn’t doubt for a second that it has made the right choice by opting for the solution proposed by MGI as part of a truly sustainable and solid partnership.”
François Mahé des Portes concluded that: “This signing formalises the collaborations taking place in the field between all private and public actors operating on behalf of the port community and the MGI teams”.
AP+ is the very first trimodal Cargo Community System integrating land, sea and air transport processes. The CCS, undergoing constant development, takes into account current and forecast professional logistics needs in addition to governing and regulatory requirements. It benefits from extensive feedback from the port communities having already implemented it by adapting to their specific features. AP+ meets the European e-Maritime directive by easing information exchanges and by creating interfaces with all computer systems, including the ship’s Port Single Window. Sogyp, an MGI and Soget subsidiary, is taking part in national work groups organised by the General Directorate for Transport to integrate the latest national and international regulations into AP+.