Project Overview
A UK regional port handling 4.2 million tonnes per year needed to build a Port Community System (PCS) — a digi...
Technology Stack
Compliance & Standards
The Challenge
A UK regional port handling 4.2 million tonnes per year needed to build a Port Community System (PCS) — a digital hub connecting port operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs agents, and logistics companies. HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) integration, DEFRA IPAFFS (food import notifications), DVSA commercial vehicle checks, and Port Health Authority (UKHSA) food safety notifications were the compliance requirements. Budget: £150,000.
Our Approach
Port Community System
shared data platform where all port stakeholders see consistent, real-time information.
Vessel arrival
AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking via MarineTraffic API — estimated arrival updated in real time.
Berth allocation
harbour master creates berth allocation, visible to shipping line and stevedores immediately.
Gate operations
pre-clearance notifications to hauliers (collect window: +/- 2 hours of vessel readiness).
Customs Declaration Service
- import declarations submitted via HMRC CDS API.
- Pre-arrival notifications: CHIEF → CDS transition (completed 2023).
Route to clearance
Route 1 (free circulation, no documentary check), Route 2 (documentary check only), Route 3 (physical examination).
PCS integration
CDS route notification pushed to terminal operator and freight forwarder simultaneously — no phone calls for customs clearance status.
DEFRA IPAFFS Integration
IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed): pre-notification mandatory for animals, high-risk food, and plant products from non-EU countries.
Port Health Authority notification
IPAFFS Common Health Entry Document (CHED) automatically visible to Port Health Authority officer in PCS.
Documentary and identity checks
Port Health Officer records check outcome in PCS — available to importer in real time.
DVSA and Port Health Notifications
DVSA ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition): HGV registration plate captured at port gate → DVSA safety data lookup (operator licence, MOT status).
Port Health Authority food safety
- temperature monitoring data from reefer containers (via shipping line API) attached to CHED in PCS.
- Real-time notifications: all parties receive push notifications (GOV.UK Notify + email + SMS) on status changes relevant to them.
The Results
System live at 20 weeks, £142,000 — under budget.
Vessel turnaround time: 18.4 hours → 14.2 hours average (23% improvement).
IPAFFS CHED processing: automated notification — Port Health Officer response time 4.2 hours → 1.8 hours.
CDS route notification: real-time (previously 2–4 hour delay via phone).
HGV dwell time: 42 minutes → 28 minutes (automated gate notifications).
HMRC CDS audit: zero compliance failures.
Port stakeholder satisfaction: 4.2/5.
“23% reduction in vessel turnaround time. At our cargo volumes, that is the commercial metric that justifies the entire investment. Port Health CHED processing from 4.2 to 1.8 hours means perishable goods spend less time at the port. Every stakeholder in the supply chain — shipper, forwarder, haulier, customs agent — now has real-time information." — Harbour Master, UK Regional Port (name withheld)”
Project Details
Related Case Studies
View AllIoT Fleet Telematics Platform — UK Commercial Vehicle Operator
A UK commercial vehicle operator with 320 HGVs needed to replace three separate fleet management systems (GPS ...
Logistics SaaS Platform — UK 3PL Provider
A UK third-party logistics (3PL) provider managing warehousing and fulfilment for 85 eCommerce clients needed ...
Supply Chain Visibility Platform — UK FMCG Manufacturer
A UK FMCG manufacturer producing 340 product SKUs across 4 factories needed real-time supply chain visibility ...
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Let's discuss how our technical expertise can help you achieve remarkable results.