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A new platform integrating three separate systems that handle the documentation for release of foreign containers, return of empty containers, and refund of container deposit will be fully launched soon
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Multipoint Access Xchange (MAX), which integrates Systembase, Simply Book, and Container Ledger Account into one platform, was soft launched on March 8
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Through the integration of the three systems, MAX aims to make the container release process, return of empty containers, and refund of container deposits seamless
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A trial run is scheduled this month with full launch eyed in April
A new platform integrating three systems that handle container movement was soft launched on March 8.
Multipoint Access Xchange (MAX) integrates Systembase, Simply Book, and Container Ledger Account (CLA) into one platform with the aim of simplifying container management. Through the integration of the three systems, MAX aims to make seamless the container release process, return of empty containers, and refund of container deposits seamless.
Container Ledger Account Philippines, Inc. (CLAP) for CLA, Cargo Exchange Systems, Inc. (CESI) for Systembase, and Simply Book signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint undertaking.
A trial run is scheduled this month and full launch is eyed in April.
Systembase is a web-based documentation portal to help port users in uploading and consolidating their files and securely deliver them to the shipping lines for a more convenient and effective verification and container release order (CRO) releasing process. Launched during the pandemic, Systembase eliminates the need to do onsite processing and releasing and makes the process paperless.
Currently, three shipping agents use Systembase, according to CESI business development manager Manuel Laus.
Simply Book is the container yard online booking system by the Alliance of Container Yard Operators of the Philippines (ACYOP). The online booking system was conceived sometime in the last quarter of 2020 mainly to solve the truck queuing problem inside off-dock container yards.
Eight container yards participate in the system and more are being encouraged to join voluntarily, ACYOP president Roger Lalu told PortCalls at the sidelines of the event.
CLA, meanwhile, is an alternative and voluntary solution to simplify container deposit management between a shipping line and a consignee/agent. CLA, which started operations in December 2021, is an alternative system aimed to address the longstanding issue on the return of container deposits by international shipping lines.
Currently, CLA has onboard 26 shipping lines and more than 1,200 subscribers composed of 518 consignees and 759 customs brokers.
“We see MAX as the first bold step in attaining the ultimate goal of total integration of systems that has been a long-term goal of our government policy makers,” CLAP marketing manager Jacqueline Bautista said in a speech during the soft launch.
In an interview with PortCalls at the sidelines of the event, Bautista said MAX is their answer to the Department of Trade and Industry’s advocacy for interoperability of systems in the logistics sector.
Port users can register with MAX and choose to use all three systems, or just one or two, depending on their requirements. Bautista, however, said they encourage users to use all three systems to maximize the benefits of the platform, which include removing the need to submit required documents separately.
MAX will initially be available as a web-based system and will also have a mobile application.
Port users using either of the three systems can continue with their usual practice.
MAX does not require a fee, although each of the three systems charges separately.
On the concern that not all shipping lines calling Philippine ports are onboard the three systems, Bautista said this will be addressed eventually as they are actively coordinating with carriers through the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL). She noted that some shipping lines have also signified their intention to join MAX.
AISL president Patrick Ronas, in a speech during the event, encouraged association members and other stakeholders to support the new platform.
“Let us see for ourselves what an automated and digitized ecosystem can do for our companies and employees,” Ronas added.
MAX is not a replication of the Philippine Ports Authority-proposed Trusted Operator Program-Container Registry Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS), an electronic system to monitor foreign containers and to secure a container insurance policy, AISL’s Joseph Collantes, who moderated the launch, clarified.
Implementation of TOP-CRMS, which aim to address the long-standing issue on the return of container deposits, has been deferred indefinitely since last year amidst calls from various stakeholder groups to scrap the program due to various concerns. – Roumina Pablo
