Getting Started with DirectPort

DirectPort is a comprehensive platform for inland shipping operations, serving voyage operators, vessel/fleet managers, terminal operators, and inspectors. This guide will help you get started quickly.

What is DirectPort?

DirectPort is built specifically for inland shipping and provides:

• Voyage Management - Create, manage, and track voyages from planning to completion
• Terminal Operations - Manage loading/discharge operations, schedules, and equipment
• Vessel Management - Track vessels, staff, maintenance, and operational data
• Document Management - Handle contracts, reports, and certifications
• Financial Management - Track costs, invoices, and financial reporting
• Mobile App - Keep captains connected with real-time voyage updates

Accessing DirectPort

Web Application

1. Go to your DirectPort platform URL (e.g., yourcompany.directport.eu)
2. Click "Login" in the top right corner
3. Enter your email and password
4. Click "Sign in"

First Time Login

If you're logging in for the first time, you may need to complete an onboarding process to set up your profile and permissions.

Multi-Tenant Platform

DirectPort serves different companies through dedicated environments:

• Each organization has their own instance (e.g., acme.directport.eu)
• Data and users are completely isolated between tenants
• Features and modules can be customized per organization

Core Concepts

Voyages

Voyages are the heart of DirectPort - they represent the movement of cargo from one location to another.

A voyage includes:

• Route - Loading and discharge locations with stops
• Cargo - Product type, weight, and specifications
• Vessel - Which ship will carry the cargo
• Stops / Route Operations - Planned and actual departure/arrival times
• Documents - Bills of lading, contracts, and certificates
• Financial - Costs, freight rates, and billing information

Voyage Lifecycle:

1. Request - Initial cargo movement request
2. Proposal - Detailed plan with vessel, route, and costs
3. Active - Voyage is underway
4. Completed - Cargo delivered successfully

Modules

DirectPort is organized into modules that can be enabled based on your role:

• Dashboard - Overview of operations, water levels, fuel prices
• Voyages - Plan, track, and manage cargo movements
• Terminals - Operations, schedules, delays, and equipment
• Vessels - Fleet management, maintenance, and staff scheduling
• Documents - Contract management and document templates
• Financial - Invoicing, costs, and financial reporting
• QHSE - Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental forms
• Master Data - Locations, products, parties, and cargo types

User Roles & Permissions

DirectPort uses role-based access control

• Voyage Operators - Create and manage voyages and contracts
• Vessel/Fleet Managers - Manage vessels, staff, and vessel contracts
• Terminal Operators - Handle terminal operations and schedules
• Inspectors - Limited access for inspection workflows
• Captains - Mobile app access for voyage updates and event logging

These default roles can further be customized for your organization with custom roles.

Navigation & Interface

Main Sidebar

The left sidebar provides access to all modules:

• Click module icons to navigate between sections
• Some modules may be hidden based on your permissions
• Selected terminal/vessel context affects available options

Global Search

Use the search bar in the header to quickly find:

• Voyages by reference or vessel name
• Locations and terminals
• Documents and reports
• Any page or feature in the system

Data Grids

Most list views use powerful data grids that support:

• Filtering - Click column headers to filter data
• Sorting - Click column headers to sort
• Export - Download data to Excel or CSV
• Column Management - Show/hide and reorder columns

Key Workflows

For Voyage Operators

1. Create a Voyage Request

   • Navigate to Voyages → Requests → Create
   • Define cargo, route, and requirements
   • Submit for planning

2. Plan a Voyage

   • Go to Voyages → Workspace
   • Review requests and create proposals
   • Assign vessels, routes, and costs
   • Publish to activate the voyage

3. Track Progress

   • Monitor active voyages in real-time
   • Receive updates from captains via mobile app
   • Manage documents and financial information

For Terminal Operators

1. View Operations

   • Navigate to Terminals → Operations
   • See scheduled loadings and discharges
   • Track vessel arrivals and operations

2. Manage Schedule

   • Use Terminals → Planner for scheduling
   • Coordinate vessel queues and resources
   • Handle delays and adjustments

For Vessel Managers

1. Monitor Fleet

   • Go to Vessels for fleet overview
   • Track vessel locations and status
   • Manage maintenance and inspections

2. Schedule Staff

   • Use Vessels → Staff Schedule
   • Assign captains and crew to voyages
   • Coordinate shift patterns

For Captains (Mobile App)

See the How-to Mobile App guide for more information.

Getting Help

Documentation

• Mobile App Guide - Complete guide for vessel captains
• API Documentation - For developers and integrations
• Feature Guides - Detailed explanations of specific features

Support

Email: support@directport.eu

• Response within 24 hours on business days
• Include your company name and detailed description
• Screenshots helpful for technical issues

Training

Contact your system administrator or DirectPort support for:

• User training sessions
• Feature demonstrations
• Best practices workshops

Next Steps

1. Explore Your Modules - Check which features are available to you
2. Set Up Your Profile - Complete your user profile and preferences
3. Learn Key Workflows - Focus on features relevant to your role
4. Download Mobile App - If you're a captain or need field access
5. Contact Support - Get help with any questions or setup needs

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Ready to dive deeper? Check out our Mobile App Guide for vessel captains or contact support@directport.eu for personalized assistance.