THE Panama Canal and the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) have upgraded their Panama Maritime Single Window System (VUMPA) in a bid to further optimise national maritime procedures required for international vessels calls in Panama.
This technology can also be leveraged to improve efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the logistics industry.
Launched in 2017, VUMPA is an online platform that automates information-sharing between Panamanian agencies involved in processing the reception and departure of ships, streamlining international maritime transportation at Panamanian ports.
Core updates to VUMPA aim to improve the accuracy of cargo declarations for partnering shipping lines, as well as risk assessments conducted by Panamanian authorities. Also, the one-time, government fee for arriving and departing vessels can now be charged electronically with a debit or credit card, a statement from AMP said.
Additional enhancements include the implementation of a privacy policy, visualisation of documentation submitted through the ship inspection system, creation of electronic alerts based on cargo type, inclusion of waste management reports and specific requirements from key Panamanian authorities, which can be accessed by Port State Control inspectors.
Prior to the adoption of VUMPA, vessels were required to complete several types of documentation - such as registration forms and customs document - for the Panama Canal, AMP, Panamanian Customs Authority and immigration services.
It is estimated that VUMPA has already reduced the need for 300,000 paper forms and documents, improving the efficiency and carbon footprint of transhipment procedures and saving up to 3,260 hours on an annual basis.
'These upgrades will continue to help reduce costs, optimise itineraries and improve transparency and productivity, while providing substantial time savings to maritime customers taking advantage of Panama's logistics offerings,' the statement said.
WORLD SHIPPING
This technology can also be leveraged to improve efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the logistics industry.
Launched in 2017, VUMPA is an online platform that automates information-sharing between Panamanian agencies involved in processing the reception and departure of ships, streamlining international maritime transportation at Panamanian ports.
Core updates to VUMPA aim to improve the accuracy of cargo declarations for partnering shipping lines, as well as risk assessments conducted by Panamanian authorities. Also, the one-time, government fee for arriving and departing vessels can now be charged electronically with a debit or credit card, a statement from AMP said.
Additional enhancements include the implementation of a privacy policy, visualisation of documentation submitted through the ship inspection system, creation of electronic alerts based on cargo type, inclusion of waste management reports and specific requirements from key Panamanian authorities, which can be accessed by Port State Control inspectors.
Prior to the adoption of VUMPA, vessels were required to complete several types of documentation - such as registration forms and customs document - for the Panama Canal, AMP, Panamanian Customs Authority and immigration services.
It is estimated that VUMPA has already reduced the need for 300,000 paper forms and documents, improving the efficiency and carbon footprint of transhipment procedures and saving up to 3,260 hours on an annual basis.
'These upgrades will continue to help reduce costs, optimise itineraries and improve transparency and productivity, while providing substantial time savings to maritime customers taking advantage of Panama's logistics offerings,' the statement said.
WORLD SHIPPING