New operating software allowing real-time tracking of cargo on iPads is slated for APM Terminals Portsmouth and other Virginia Port Authority facilities in Hampton Roads.

Virginia International Terminals Inc. plans to install the software at the facilities it operates for the authority, the Portsmouth terminals, Norfolk International Terminals, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port, an authority press release says.

It has already installed Navis SPARCS N4, which provides data to terminal operators and customers, at the Port of Richmond, the release says, although it is not the authority’s operator for this port.

“Our focus at Richmond was real-time data at the truck gate and pier side using iPads,” VIT Chief Operating Officer Joe Ruddy states in the release.

“We’ll be able to transmit and process that data which lets us know current, exact counts on truck moves in and out of the gate and moves on and off the barge.

“As well, customers … will know, to the minute, when cargo arrived or departed.”

The Norfolk terminals is VIT’s next focus in the roll-out, due there next May, followed by an automatic gate and GPS system for locating containers, the release says.