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Hi-tech customs speeds cars through Southampton

[ September 22, 2021   //   ]

Associated British Ports (ABP)’s port of Southampton is now fully inventory linked, an EU requirement following Brexit, to ensure all goods are digitally tracked. Earlier this year, Southampton became the first port in the country to announce a private 5G network, which means inventory linking can take place with superior connectivity and reduced latency.

In August, Southampton launched its Automotive Vehicle Terminal Operating System, delivered in partnership with technology company INFORM, giving manufacturers real-time information on all vehicles passing through the port overseen by ABP stevedores, as well as full synchronisation to HMRC’s inventory linking system.

In a typical year the Port of Southampton will handle some 900,000 new vehicles, making it the UK’s top automotive handling port. Synchronisation to the government’s inventory linking system means less revenue loss for HMRC.

The private 5G network allows the port to offer a range of digital services to customers, from network slicing to give customers their own dedicated network space, to connecting in-car digital services at the port.

General manager of landside operations for ABP’s Southampton region, Craig Barbour, said: “The Port of Southampton is a one-stop-store for OEMs and shipping lines, with excellent access to the global marketplace. These developments are great news for those who rely on ABP every day to get their goods from A to B, and for those looking to navigate the requirements of the post-Brexit landscape efficiently.”

Head of commercial for ABP Southampton, Paul Reeves, added: “This comprehensive and unprecedented package available to our automotive partners reinforces Southampton’s position as an innovator, anticipating and responding to customer needs. We are looking forward to rolling out these services with our partners, helping to bring even greater efficiencies to the supply chain.”

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