Marseille Fos Port unveils new fully-automated information system

The French Mediterranean port launched Neptune Port, a fully-automated information system developed over the course of three years that is designed to simplify administrative procedures for vessels that call the port.    The Marseille Fos port authority launched a fully-automated information system called Neptune Port, which is designed to simplify administrative procedures for vessels that call the port.
   Neptune Port provides real-time nautical, administrative and logistical data relevant to all calls across the Marseille Fos Port’s activity range, including container, bulk, cruise, ferry and inland waterways operations, the port said. The system is linked to the private systems of approximately 600 users in the port community, which allows them to synchronize declarations.
   In addition, Neptune Port is linked to the port’s vessel traffic service, the AP+ cargo community system and Maritime Affairs.
   The system cost 3 million euros (U.S. $3.27 million) to develop and was created over a period of three years in conjunction with French multi-national technology specialist Capgemini. Neptune Port replaced Escale V2 Nautique, which was only partially automated and not entirely paper-free. The Escale V2 Nautique system had been in use at the port since 1992.
   Marseille Fos Port is comprised of the Eastern Harbor in the city of Marseille; and the Western Harbor in Fos, which is 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) west of Marseille.
   The French Mediterranean port handles hydrocarbons and bulk liquids (oil, gas and chemical products), general cargo (containers and other packaging) and bulk solids (minerals and cereals).