On the morning of Friday 31st August, the Southampton Container Terminal Operations database experienced a corruption of its core data; caused by a failed system update. The disruptions to the database caused incorrect moves from their straddle carriers, which tried to retreive containers that were not present or were incorrect. To prevent the issue from escalating, landside and vessel operations were halted for 4 and 7 hours respectively.
Although the immediate stoppage was rectified and operations recommenced within the same day, SCT reports that the aftermath of managing the corrupted data is requiring significant additional resourcing. The situation has been improving as the week progresses, however, as a direct consequence of the data issue they anticipate that yard utilisation could reach levels which will have an adverse impact on productivity.
As a precaution, SCT have advised that the original 5 day export receivable window restriction will be extended for another week (i.e. until Monday 17th September 2007). They are continuously reviewing the situation at this time and if any amendment of this date occurs; we will of course advise you as soon as possible.
