Open Dialogue with Key Stakeholders helps identify areas for improvement in line with Lean Six Sigma Methodology processes
APM Terminals Bahrain, operators of Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) recently concluded the Green Belt Six Sigma Project seeking to further improve Container Freight Shed (CFS) processes based on the Lean Six Sigma Methodology processes. This project is part of its strategic objective to bolster commercial operations and is in line with the findings from a recent ‘Voice of the Customer’ session held with key stakeholders.
Lean Six Sigma is a structured, problem-solving approach designed to help master techniques to improve process performance and consistency within an organisation. To date, more than 30 APM Terminals Bahrain employees are certified, with one achieving Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and one Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Commenting on the project, Mark Hardiman, Managing Director of APM Terminals, Bahrain said: “As operators of the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, our strategy is to continuously ensure that customer satisfaction is our primary focus. We are pleased to launch the Six Sigma Green Belt Project which is based on international standards and is in line with our general Continuous Improvement approach when it comes to running our port operations.”
This Six Sigma Green Belt project mainly involves the Container Freight Station (CFS) operations, but will also address other areas of customer interaction such as the appointment process. The project concluded last month.
As part of the project methodology, the ‘Voice of the Customer’ was gathered during interactive sessions with port users and other important stakeholders. Customs and Port Authority are also supporting this initiative to improve the process efficiency and customer satisfaction, thereby enabling increased hinterland traffic via Bahrain port.
As part of APM’s commitment to continuous improvement, currently there are 50 projects in progress. Heads of departments are responsible to ensure that the various processes and methodology are strictly adhered to. This cuts overall maintenance costs and ensures efficiency is increasing in several areas, including CFS Process improvement, fuel consumption, and spare parts usage to name a few.
KBSP is a multipurpose port with a total quayside of 1800 metres and is designed to accommodate a container capacity of more than 1.0 million TEUs annually. APM Terminals Bahrain provides sea freight, passenger, shipping, and logistical services to the highest international standards in the industry.
About APM Terminals Bahrain B.S.C.(c)
APM Terminals Bahrain B.S.C.(c) is a shareholder arrangement with YBA Kanoo Holdings of Bahrain. Established in 2006, the Company provides port operations and related services within Bahrain and its coastal waters. Kanoo is a longstanding partner in the Middle East of the A.P. Moller ‐ Maersk Group.
APM Terminals’ Global Terminal Network of ports and inland services provide the infrastructure for the growth of international trade, 90% of which travels by sea. International commerce is an economic growth engine, creating jobs, lifting economies and improving people’s lives around the world.
With world headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, the company’s core expertise is the design, construction, management and operation of ports, terminals and inland services, operating a Global Terminal Network of 20,600 employees in 68 countries including interests in 70 port and terminal facilities and over 135 Inland Services operations.