Colombia: CTQI Standard for Port of Cartagena

Two terminals in the Port of Cartagena have been certified by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) according to the Container Terminal Quality Indicator (CTQI) standard. Both terminals are operated by Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena S.A. (SPRC). CTQI, a benchmarking tool for evaluating the quality of container terminals and to increase their efficiency, was developed in 2008 by the Global Institute of Logistics (GIL), GL and other experts in international container port logistics.

Speed, safety and cost efficient container terminals are more important than ever. "Our certification system is supposed to help measure and document performance level and quality standards of container terminals," explained Bernhard Ständer, Managing Director Germanischer Lloyd Certification GmbH. Certification according to CTQI shows that the terminal's processes, organization and performance meet the requirements and consistently high-quality services can be provided.

CTQI requires an effective management system as well as convincing key performance indicators. Auditors assess aspects such as the average age of properly dimensioned cranes and handling equipment or the storage capability. Furthermore the efficiency of loading and unloading trains, trucks and inland vessels is evaluated. Also, organizational aspects such as adequate connectivity with the hinterland and the inland waterway system are audited. SPRC is lead by a management with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and by a well structured management system that applies 'state of the art' methodologies to a great extend. This is proved by the first audit results.

SPRC's terminals are the first CTQI certified terminals in America. In addition SPRC received Caribbean Shipping Association's (CSA) award for Best Container Terminal in the Caribbean region for the fourth time. Under SPRC's management, the Port has become Colombia's largest and most important Container Port. Throughout the implementation and certification process SPRC has been supported by Hamburg Port Consulting GmbH (HPC). At the Terminal Operators Conference in Buenos Aires, Eckhard Hinrichsen, Representative of GL Mexico, presented the certificates to Mr. Anibal Ochoa, SPRC.

(www.gl-group.com)