During July and August the new gate system was introduced working alongside the new Vehicle Booking System.

The introduction of the new custom-written gate system followed extensive civil engineering work. This involved changes to the road system, the relocation and expansion of the Empty Park and Reach Stacker areas and the opening of the new Transfer Area 3.

The new Transfer Area 3 which opened near 204 berth, together with the existing two transfer areas, now means we are able to send vehicles to the most efficient part of the terminal dependant on their job.  This results in the straddle carriers working more efficiently with reduced travel distances and, consequently, improving the turnaround times for the hauliers.

The route to be taken by the haulier around the terminal is displayed on a SID (Single Interchange Document) which is printed either at the pregate or, for specific companies, from remote depots. The vehicle will be sent to areas dependant on the information entered on their VBS booking to provide the most efficient service.

The new road layouts have also included changes to the pregate area which is now segregated to reflect the three transfer areas. Slot Allocation barriers have also been installed at each of the transfer areas.  This allows SCT to allocate slots when the vehicle arrives at the area rather than in advance which results in a greater utilisation of slots at all times.

All the enhancements, both in civil works and systems, are geared to improve the efficiency of the landside operation and enable SCT to provide an improved service to its customers.