We already have full digitisation of document handling in our seaports and paper is about to be completely phased out. This was said in Burgas by the Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov during the presentation of a national system for electronic exchange of information in Bulgarian seaports. The system was developed by the State Enterprise "Port Infrastructure" under an European project.
The Transport Minister explained that all the information collected so far on physical media is now integrated in one place and will be monitored in real time by all the institutions concerned (Customs Agency, DG Border Police, Maritime Administration Executive Agency and terminal operators). "With this we achieve 40% greater efficiency for companies in terms of time and cost," Gvozdeykov said.
The Transport Minister specified that the project is another big step towards the digitalization of services in Bulgarian ports. "The maritime transport has the greatest readiness for the transition to e-waybill, which will significantly facilitate business, but will also ensure better traceability and control of cargo shipments," said Gvozdeykov.
"State Enterprise "Port Infrastructure" has successfully implemented projects for over BGN 40 million under OP "Transport and Transport Infrastructure", added Minister Gvozdeykov. The Minister said that by the end of the year it is extremely important to complete the maximum amount of activities under the dredging project of the Burgas-West terminal. We remind that the project was included in the operational programme after the release of financial resources from other projects. The contractor is currently mobilising the necessary equipment and dredging works are due to start within days.
"Less time and better logistics are the key phrases behind the system's construction. It saves time by electronical processing of the cargo-related information and facilitates optimal results in minimal time. Apart from being high-tech, it is also environmentally friendly," Deputy Minister Anna Natova said.
The event was attended by Martin Georgiev, Head of the OPTTI 2014-2020 Managing Authority, Dirk Pergott, Director General of State Enterprise "Port Infrastructure", representatives of stakeholders and others.
