Napier Port chief executive Garth Cowie said it had already transformed Napier Port's internal crane-driver training and selection processes, cutting the selection process down by about 90 per cent, and was also being used by Southern Cross Stevedoring for driver recruitment/selection.
"We've been working hard to develop a training package that leverages both the wealth of skill among our crane drivers and the world-class technology we have here on port," he said.
"We have a strong relationship with Fiji Ports, and we were pleased to host them as our first international customers.
"As part of the process, a team of Napier Port managers and crane drivers travelled to Fiji to understand the nature of Fiji Ports' business and working culture.
"The same team will be returning to Fiji to provide follow-up on the programme, and we hope to host a team of Fiji Ports maintenance engineers on site later in the year."
The Fiji Ports crane drivers undertook a week-long programme ending Saturday, including crane operation best practice, driver-based equipment care and Napier Port's team-based approach to crane and vessel operations.
They were then given simulator time to practise techniques for complex manoeuvres, enabling quick-but-safe ship loading and unloading.
"They were already experienced and competent crane operators, but by focusing on difficult operations such as stacking 20-foot containers within 40-foot cells inside the vessel and working blind (using only cameras and radio guidance to load containers in the hold), they were able to improve their loading time."
The programme was led by Napier Port senior crane operators Phil Taana and Peter van Veelen.
"We are very pleased to be able to call the programme a success. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Fiji Ports, and to offering our training programme to a wider audience."
