KALE LOGISTICS is set to revolutionize the maritime and port industry in Latin America and the Caribbean through cutting-edge digital transformation.
Rosa González-Ramírez PhD, Associate Professor at the Universidad de los Andes, Chile and
Research Content Coordinator of the PORTHINK.COM platform for port transformation in Latin
America and the Caribbean, spoke with Mr. Umesh Kurlekar, Vice President and head of the
maritime practice of Kale Logistics Solutions, in the middle of the event “Smart Digital Ports” in
Rotterdam, where KALE is a Silver Sponsor.
Can you tell us about Kale Logistics’ latest solutions for the maritime and port industry?
Our solutions primarily address airports, ports, land ports, freezones and regulatory bodies for
promote trade facilitation and ease of doing business. We have recently developed a Maritime
Single Window (MSW) for port and port authorities in compliance with the IMO’s e-FAL
Convention, We are currently implementing this system across 34 ports in Malaysia, making it
the first APAC nation to achieve nationwide digitization in the maritime sector
In general, one of the main challenges is the exchange of information among different
stakeholders with their disparate systems that translates into non-standard data which is prone
to errors and duplicity.. Kale offers a single platform that allows streamlining data exchange and
harmonization of information based on the global standards. Our solutions are designed to
enable seamless exchange of information end-to-end of the supply chain with simple API
integrations with local systems, EDI messaging and XML data transfer.
Our port community system is crafted with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring
compliance and promoting paperless trade.
How does Kale Logistics organize its innovation and research team?
We primarily work on research projects with industry and government agencies. Internally, Kale
has an innovation and research team that addresses different industry needs and trends that
wills shape the industry in the coming years. The outcome is use-cases for tech applications,
proof of concepts, new products and modules that enhance the current portfolio.
For example, we are currently implementing different analysis and predictions of vessel arrivals
and service times and using that information to support planning and decision-making in ports to
make operations more efficient.
In North America, we are collaborating with the Port of Montreal to implement advanced
technological interventions, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and
data-driven solutions to transform port operations. We are highly focused on promoting
sustainability by enabling paperless trade and improving operational efficiency through cutting-
edge digital tools.
Which opportunities do you envision in the Americas region in which Kale Logistics
could provide support?
We are working closely with Latin American ports and associations like AAPA (American
Association of Port Authorities) to promote green logistics practices, optimize fuel consumption,
and minimize carbon emissions. Additionally, our solutions help ports meet evolving compliance
standards and improve governance in maritime trade operations.
Kale is strongly committed to digitizing and automating ports in Latin America with our
comprehensive yet modular Port Community System (PCS). Our system is highly flexible and
can be scaled up or down based on the specific needs and complexities of each port.
Recognizing that some South American ports may lack access to advanced technology, we
have designed our PCS in a way that not only costs the ports or port authorities nothing but also
generates revenue for them. Our goal is to make the platform accessible, affordable, and easily
adoptable by the entire maritime community, enabling everyone to benefit from a unified source
of digital transformation.
One of the main challenges in adopting technology and digital solutions is the business
model. Based on Kale Logistics’ experience, what can you recommend to ports that are
transitioning to digitalization and adopting new technologies?
Globally, we grapple with common bottlenecks: resistance to adopting new systems and
maritime stakeholders believing that a shared digital platform lacks specificity for their internal
processes initially. It’s essential to comprehend that technology, when implemented across
diverse layers, evolves and adapts over time. Additionally, the pervasive risk of cyber-attacks
looms large. However, our PCS prioritizes user rights, incorporating stringent security measures
aligned with global frameworks defined by authoritative bodies. By addressing these challenges,
we pave the way for a seamless transition to advanced technologies while ensuring the highest
standards of security in an ever-evolving digital landscape for ports.
We recommend taking small, strategic steps that lead to significant, long-term impact. Ports and
port authorities must have a clear vision of the outcomes they aim to achieve through
digitization, recognizing that it is an ongoing process. This journey begins with a thorough needs
analysis, setting appropriate budgets, selecting an IT partner with proven expertise, and
ultimately, implementing strong change management within their organizations to ensure
successful digital transformation. Thank you very much. Interesting concepts and much
success with the new businesses in the region.
Kale Logistics Solutions, a trusted cloud-based tech solutions provider for fortune 500
companies in the logistics industry. Kale is focused on providing cutting edge technology
solutions to the Global Logistics and Supply Chain network. Its wide portfolio of solutions
comprising enterprise ERP systems and community platforms is transforming businesses of
more than 500 customers worldwide. Kale has been awarded several industry accolades for its
innovative solutions in the Logistics Industry. Owing to extensive experience and thorough
knowledge pertaining to the Logistics domain and being the only Logistics focused tech
provider, Kale has been recognized as ‘Best Tech Provider’ for last many consecutive years at
prominent International Industry forums. Kale’s solutions help Freight Forwarders, NVOCC, LCL
Consolidators, Shipping Line Agents, Stevedores, Surveyors, Container Freight Stations,
Equipment Control Providers, Vessel Charterers, Custom House Agents, 3PL, Warehouse
Operators, Transportation Providers, other Logistics Service Users and Airport Cargo Terminal
Operators achieve faster growth, standardized processes and operational efficiencies. An active
partnership with key industry bodies and customers keep Kale at the forefront of emerging
trends.
For more information, please visit www.kalelogistics.com
Fuente: Porthink
