WCS is an independent company owned by DP World
Having launched a new operational and QHSE based consultancy, World Crane Services (WCS) is confident that it can differentiate itself through on the ground expertise.
WCS, which is an independently run business owned by DP World, is a specialist in delivering engineering services to the ports and maritime industry, now offers the same calibre of service for operational and QHSE functions.
The ownership set up allows the use of global resources and expertise while operating on an individual basis, separate from the main operational body of the parent group.
In addition to its resources from DP World, WCS also has a wider network of trusted professional individuals in the industry, who can be called on for suitable projects such as those with commercial sensitivity.
Stewart Lawton, general manager at WCS Consultancy, told CM: “There’s actually very few consultants out there who have the benefit of being a port operator, and are able to draw upon those resources and experiences.
“There’s a clear gap in the market and it makes sense for WCS to build on that. Our approach is very much ground-focused so there isn’t a disconnect between the information we provide and the reality of things on the ground.”
He pointed out that consultants often encourage the use of impractical tools due to a lack of realism about day-to-day issues.
For example, in certain geographies, it may not be cost-efficient to look at digitisation and automation, citing an example of a highly advanced terminal operating system (TOS) at a small terminal.
Lawton explained: “The big problem that many small ports and terminals have is that it’s quite difficult for them to get skilled, qualified people.
“There can sometimes be a skillset deficit and even an educational level deficit. We can provide training up to a high standard, which in itself is a strong selling point.”
He further highlighted typical issues which tend to stem from a lack of actual KPIs in place, a lack of reporting and a lack of understanding in the numbers generated and what they mean.
In these circumstances, WCS Consultancy can prioritise training, reporting, putting KPIs in place and writing the standard operating procedure (SOP), thereby enabling operators to get up and running.
Lawton added: “We want to step in and provide these services to free up the people on the ground to focus on the day-to-day running of the terminal.
“We want to work hand in hand with our client base. We want to understand why things happen. It’s easy to identify what’s wrong. We want to identify the reasons why and explain what they can do about it.”
