CARTAGENA/COLOMBIA OCTOBER 2009

COLOMBIA: CTQI STANDARD FOR PORT OF CARTAGENA

Two terminals in the Port of Cartagena have been certified by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) according to the Container Terminal Quality Indicator (CTQI) standard.

The standard is a benchmarking tool for evaluating the quality of container terminals and to increase efficiency. CTQI certified terminals can prove to its stakeholders that they fulfil a minimum of requirements. Both terminals are operated by Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena S.A. (SPRC). CTQI was developed in 2008 by the Global Institute of Logistics (GIL), GL and other experts in international container port logistics.

Eck Hinrichsen Dnv Gl Presents Gustavo Florez & Giovanni Benedetti Representing Sociedad Portuaria Regional De Cartagena with CTQS Certification

“Speed, safety and efficient container terminals are more important than ever. Our certification system is supposed to help measure and document performance level and quality standards of container terminals,” explains Bernhard Ständer, Managing Director Germanischer Lloyd Certification GmbH.

The terminals are the first certified terminals in Americas. Certification according to CTQI shows that the terminal’s process organisation and performance meet the requirements and consistently high-quality services can be provided. This is proved by the audit results. “Terminal operation is structured transparently, modern technologies are implemented and well trained staff is applied, “ says Kieran Ring, CEO Global Institute of Logistics.

CTQI audits require an effective management system as well as convincing key performance indicators. Auditors assess criteria such as crane capacity and their performance data. In addition the efficiency of loading and unloading trains, trucks and inland vessels is evaluated. Also, organisational aspects such as adequate connectivity with the hinterland and the inland waterway system are audited

The Port of Cartagena lies on the northern Caribbean shores of Colombia. Under SPRC’s management, the Port has become Colombia’s largest and most important container port terminal. Throughout the implementation and certification process SPRC has been supported by Hamburg Port Consulting GmbH (HPC).