Navis signs first customer in Vietnam

Navis signs first customer in Vietnam Oakland, Calif.-based supply chain software firm Navis said Thursday it has signed the Vietnam International Container Terminals' Ho Chi Minh City facilities as its first customer in Vietnam.
   The facility is scheduled to have the Navis system operating by mid-2007.
   The computerized system is designed to increase terminal productivity by providing VICT with yard and vessel planning capabilities.
   'The SPARCS TOS system will help VICT to maximize productivity and ensure we can handle the increase in volume without compromising on efficiency for our customers. This will enable us to maintain our position as one of Vietnam's leading container ports,' said Truong Quoc Hung, chairman of VICT.
   Annual container volumes at VICT are expected to grow 20 percent following the country's January acceptance into the World Trade Organization.
   The news came quickly on the heels of an announcement by VICT officials of a planned expansion at the Ho Chi Minh City facilities. The expansion will allow the facility to meet the strong demand expected for the facility, VICT said in a statement.
   To help manage this expected growth, VICT will implement the SPARCS TOS to provide yard and vessel planning capabilities. Navis' proven software will enable VICT to further improve terminal management and container handling productivity.