Surapong Rongsirikul, PAT's deputy director-general for finance and information, said yesterday that the reduction would be voluntary.

PAT has reserved Bt1.2 billion for an early-retirement programme, which offers as much as 30 times a worker's salary.

The electronic port system, now under development in three phases, will allow PAT to provide modern, convenient, rapid and efficient service and reliable information to port users. The e-port implementation includes development of PAT's information, communications and technology. Hardware and software at the main network server and outside linkage will also be upgraded.

The e-port system will support management and improve maritime transportation. It will also strengthen information access and support import-export policy through a "single-window entry" service.

"All of the project's enhancements will advance electronic-logistics development in the transport industry to help enterprises reduce their transport and logistics costs," Surapong

said.

The e-port project started in 2006 with a total budget of Bt700 million, of which Bt600 million was for Bangkok Port and Bt100 million for Laem Chabang Port.

"Not only will e-port help enterprises reduce their logistics costs, but also increase convenience and save time," Surapong said.

He added that e-service and e-payment systems would be included, but the significant point was that the ports' management would be transparent, which should attract more customers.

"PAT expects its revenue growth this year to be more than 10 per cent. Bangkok Port is expected to post about Bt8.3 billion in revenue this year and more than that next year," he said.

Director-general Sunida Skulratana said the e-port project would become the agency's new image, backed by an aggressive public relations effort to give customers confidence in its services.

The plan will be implemented under the concept of "e-port: rapid, confident, modern, heart of world-class port".

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation