Octopi was a winner of eMerge Americas 2016

Operational technologies provider Navis, part of Cargotec, has acquired privately owned Cetus Labs in the US, a provider of a cloud-based terminal operating system (TOS), Octopi, for small container and mixed cargo terminals.

With the addition of Octopi to its software portfolio, Navis is better positioned to support thousands of smaller terminals around the world that are eager to modernise terminal operations, yet lack the technology infrastructure and technical expertise required to support a full-scale Navis N4 TOS deployment.

Launched in 2015, Octopi is a modern and lightweight, cloud-based TOS developed exclusively for small container and mixed cargo terminals. Currently in use at 10 sites in seven countries, Octopi delivers a cost-effective and easy-to-use TOS solution that enables its customers to better manage their operations in vessel planning and yard management, track cargo, and communicate electronically in real-time with their commercial ocean shipping partners.

"Our customers told us they need a lighter-weight TOS solution to improve the planning and execution of operations for their smaller terminals, and to easily connect to the supply chain ecosystem," says Navis president Benoit de la Tour. "The demand for greater process standardisation, supply chain control and improved visibility of cargo flows are key focus areas for all our customers.

"By joining forces with Octopi, Navis is answering the need to have more TOS options for both standalone small terminals, and those smaller or remote terminals that are part of a larger global terminal operator network."

Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but Cargotec says it "does not have a significant impact on the Cargotec 2019 financials".