The Global Port Quality System (GPQS) – Achieving Accreditation for ports

Launch of the Global Port Quality System (GPQS)

– Achieving Accreditation for ports/terminals with a quality system of global standard.

Dear industry colleagues

Objectives

In continuation to our commitment of improving global ports and furthering the interests of ports globally; we, at The Global Ports Forum, are pleased to announce the

Launch of the Global Port Quality System (GPQS)

– the hallmark of an accredited global port/terminal with a quality systems of global standard.

Over past five decades, world maritime trade has grown quantitatively with increased degree of specialization. Ships have grown is size and a variety of ships have emerged which are purpose built for different categories of cargo. Fully cellular container ships, Dry Bulk carriers, Liquid bulk tankers, RO-RO, cruise, gas carriers…….

Ports, terminals and marine infrastructure has been developed to cater to the needs of a variety of ships. The function and role of the ports has evolved from earlier concept of “gateways” to “crucial interface of land-sea in the logistic supply chain”. Changing role, emerging technological trends and value-migration / greater service expectation of the customers; necessitates the ports and terminals to adopt standardized systems.

Most of the ports have opted to adopt standards and obtain ISO certifications for different aspects of their operations and services like

ISO 9001:2015 (process oriented);

ISO 14000 (Environment Management);

ISO 18000 (Occupational Health and Safety Management).

Integrated Management System (IMS) combining the three standards in to one system.

GPQS is being  newly introduced by the Global Ports Forum to support the port management and operating personnel for effective implementation of their own operating procedures and adopted standards in their business activities.

What is GPQS

Global Port Quality System (GPQS) is a system for Effective Management and Strategic Planning for a variety of Ports. GPQS is meant to provide focus and direction for the port management and operating personnel to align their business activities and port operations to the vision, mission, goals and strategies of the port. In addition, it is a tool to measure and monitor the port’s performance against defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

While most of the Container Terminals throughout the world have highly standardized operations, systems, procedures and performance indicators and benchmarks; non containerized ports / terminals have a large variety of operations, handling systems, degree of mechanization and performance indicators. The variations in operations of such non-containerized ports and terminals necessitates adaptation of a system which facilitates defining operating parameters and monitoring performance and thereby providing direction for the management.

Advantages of GPQS

GPQS is a quality management system that improves the process and service quality in a port organization and thus leading to increased efficiency within the system.

GPQS is an international benchmark of excellence that will be awarded by Global Ports Forum to participating ports, on satisfactory compliance of the laid down standards and procedures.

GPQS award signifies

“among best in the class” and

“process compliant port”.

GPQS leads to increased organizational efficiency with reduced Turn around time. GPQS certified port would enhance customer confidence as well as satisfaction of the stakeholders in terms of quality of standards, services being in alignment with objectives, goals, strategies, mission and vision of the port organization.

Process of GPQS award 

GPQS program is available for participation by all categories of ports and terminals including container terminals, dry / liquid bulk terminals.

Any port / terminal with dry / liquid bulk/container operations can enrol for GPQS program.

Leading international experts from Ports/terminal industry specializing in respective terminal operations will be nominated by Global Ports Forum to help the enrolled port to prepare/inspect standard operating procedures and manuals as per each ports objectives and operating environment.

These experts will further conduct necessary inspections for the entire port operations in order to

(i) measure level of compliance with the SOPs

(ii) recommend corrective steps to improve level of compliance. On completion of operations and process inspection, once it is found that the level of compliance is over 90%, such ports will be issued GPQS award certification.

This will be valid for a period of 5 years.

Thereafter, the GPQS award will be required to be renewed.

Process Design by GPF experts

Process design and writing by GPF experts is done with complete involvement and ownership of the ports’ operational teams. Process evaluation is carried out in order to understand gaps and pitfalls affecting operations with key inputs from operations teams. Templates, Flow charts, work instructions and checklists are prepared to ensure process compliance and ease of adaptation.  Trainings and workshops are conducted for process socialization and harmonization with all the teams in the port organization.

Periodic compliance reviews are conducted to help identify non-compliances, conduct Root Cause Analysis and corrective action reports are documented.

For further details about the GPQS accreditation and certification, please contact Mr. Thomas Ng for a discussion.

Kind regards

Thomas Ng

Chairman

The Global Ports Forum

GLOBAL PORTS FORUM PTE. LTD.

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