The verdict in three sentences
A stevedoring company running port calls on spreadsheets loses money in three places: poorly allocated gang hours, idle equipment and shipping line invoices sent late. A custom port call management system costs SGD 150,000 to 400,000 and ships in 16 to 24 weeks, depending on how many integrations it needs with national port and trade platforms and shipping line systems. The first metric to track is productivity in moves per hour, because every move gained shortens the call and reduces penalties.
What port software costs in Singapore in 2026
International TOS (Terminal Operating Systems) target concession container terminals and cost millions. A breakbulk or multi-purpose stevedoring operator needs a more focused tool: planning, tallying, billing and reporting.
| Option (2026 estimate) | Upfront cost | Annual cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheets and messaging apps (today) | SGD 0 | hidden cost in hours and disputes | immediate |
| Generic ERP with logistics module | SGD 120,000 to 250,000 | 15 to 20% of licence | 6 to 9 months |
| International TOS (licence) | SGD 1.5 to 6 million | 18 to 22% of licence | 12 to 18 months |
| Custom, release 1 (calls, gangs, tally) | SGD 150,000 to 220,000 | SGD 20,000 to 35,000 | 16 weeks |
| Full custom (+ billing, national systems, dashboards) | SGD 280,000 to 400,000 | SGD 35,000 to 60,000 | 20 to 24 weeks |
| Mobile tally app for foremen | SGD 30,000 to 60,000 | included in maintenance | 6 weeks |
Custom remains the realistic path for an operator handling 300 to 600 calls a year: the budget stays under control and the tool fits your labour agreements and the rates negotiated with each shipping line.
Key modules and integrations
| Module | Function | Estimated budget |
|---|---|---|
| Port call planning | arrival notices, ETA, berths, discharge sequence | SGD 30,000 to 50,000 |
| Gang planning | gangs, shifts, overtime, productivity bonuses | SGD 30,000 to 60,000 |
| Equipment management | crane, forklift and reach stacker allocation, preventive maintenance | SGD 25,000 to 45,000 |
| Tally and damage reporting | mobile move capture, damages, photos | SGD 30,000 to 60,000 |
| Shipping line billing | contract rates, demurrage, accounting export | SGD 35,000 to 60,000 |
| National platform integration | manifest and permit data exchange (port community and trade systems) | SGD 40,000 to 80,000 |
| Productivity dashboard | moves per hour, call duration, cost per tonne | SGD 20,000 to 40,000 |
Integration with Singapore's port community and trade systems depends on the interfaces open to licensed operators. Plan a 3 to 4 week analysis phase before freezing this module's budget. Patchy connectivity at berths also calls for a tally app that works offline and syncs when the signal returns.
Mini case study
Mr Tan, operations director of a stevedoring company in Singapore, handles 420 calls a year. His gangs average 18 moves per hour and each call ties up 4 gangs for 30 hours. With optimised planning and real-time tally, productivity rises to 21 moves per hour, bringing a call down to about 26 hours. Gain: 4 hours x 4 gangs x 420 calls = 6,720 gang-hours a year. At SGD 480 per gang-hour (labour and equipment), savings reach SGD 3.2 million a year. Even capturing a quarter of that, a SGD 320,000 project pays back in under 6 months, before counting shipping line invoices issued on the day of departure instead of 10 days later.
FAQ
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Can the software work with unstable connectivity at the berth?
Yes, the tally app stores moves offline and syncs automatically. This mode adds SGD 10,000 to 20,000 but prevents any data loss.
How long until a first go-live?
Release 1 (calls, gangs, tally) is live in 16 weeks. Billing and national platform integration follow within 6 to 8 weeks.
Does billing handle GST correctly?
Yes, invoices are exported to your accounting system with 9% GST applied where relevant and zero-rating for qualifying international services. Accounting integration costs SGD 15,000 to 30,000.
Can the project be paid in instalments?
Yes, a standard schedule is 30% on order, 40% on delivery of release 1 and 30% at full production.
Who handles maintenance?
Remote maintenance with on-call support costs SGD 20,000 to 60,000 a year depending on service level. On-site sessions can be scheduled for training and major upgrades.
Let's scope your project. Send us your call volume, cargo types and systems to connect, and we will price the software in releases with an indicative budget and rollout plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
