Due to the launch of a new digital container tracking system by ports operator Forth Ports Ltd, customers at the busy container ports of London and Grangemouth can now track the status of their containers online.

The container tracking system gives customers the ability to enquire in real-time about the status of their container within the ports of Tilbury, the UK’s fourth largest port for containers, and Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest container port which handles in excess of 155,000 containers per annum.

The system, which has been delivered by the company’s in-house IT team in conjunction with its long-term port system supplier TCS, is designed to be accessible without the need for a login or password. By using a container number or booking reference, customers can locate up to 50 containers with status options ranging from exit by vessel; exit by truck; in yard; and exit by rail. These real-time, 24/7 updates are aimed at supporting and streamlining customer’s supply chain processes by reducing the need to contact the port to get the same information.

Commenting on the new system, Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said: “Our business is continually working hard to ensure that our customers receive an efficient service across our ports. Streamlining of logistics processes and improved access to information are important aspects for customers importing, exporting or distributing their goods and we have invested in this new container tracking system to support this.

“For our container customers in London and Grangemouth this new system will further assist businesses by providing self –service access to key information, assist in reducing time within their supply chain and manage just-in-time logistics by providing accurate, real-time status information about containers within our two ports. It is now very easy to find the answer to the question ‘what is the status of my box?”

The new system has been introduced as part of an overall business strategy which aims for a more unified and consistent service across the Group – as well as the ports of Tilbury and Grangemouth, Forth Ports owns and operates six other commercial ports on the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay: Dundee, Leith, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy.