Halifax Port Authority Lays Groundwork for Smart Port
Stakeholder Initiative Will Focus on Enhancing Port Competitiveness
January 15, 2003
Halifax, NS - The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) announced today the details of its new Smart Port Initiative. Smart Port is a stakeholder driven initiative, facilitated by HPA and designed to enhance the Port's competitiveness, exchange information and bring together key port and business stakeholders.
"We are encouraged by the response and interest in the Smart Port Initiative, which we introduced to the Port community in the fall," said Karen Oldfield, HPA President & CEO. "The Port of Halifax is a key economic asset. The ability to bring the business leaders and port stakeholders together to solidify a common vision for the Port bodes well for a strong future."
The Halifax Port Authority identified a need for a forum to discuss and resolve common stakeholder issues. The initiative will also identify port business opportunities and facilitate development of these opportunities. Five key focus areas have been identified:
- Marketing and Strategy
- Competitiveness and Productivity
- Value Added Opportunities
- Information Technology
- Port Security
We're pleased to see this initiative," said Russell Herder, Chairman, Halifax Shipping Association. "The Port of Halifax has tremendous potential and we believe that Smart Port will provide a forum for the Port community to work together and maintain Halifax's competitiveness. We will be a very active participant."
"We are moving forward on a number of issues and are actively holding discussions with key stakeholders to press for solutions. For example trucking and rail concerns are being discussed at two meetings of the Competitiveness and Productivity Working Group next week. These meetings will be attended by a broad cross section of port and community stakeholders," explained Patricia McDermott, VP Marketing, HPA. "Opening the lines of communication and engaging members to work together for results is a key objective of Smart Port."
For more information contact:
Michele Peveril
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Halifax Port Authority
Telephone: (902) 426-1060
Cell: (902) 229-3236
