Jade Software has this morning announced a "significant" ports new business contract in mainland U.S. for its terminal operating system Master Terminal.

The Christchurch based software developer says integrated ports logistics business Diversified Port Holdings (DPH) will be implementing Master Terminal at five of its shipping terminals in south-eastern America, with two in Jacksonville, and one in each in Mobile, New Orleans and Port Everglades.

Jade Software MD David Lindsay says the DPH contract is a significant opportunity for the company.

“It's sizable in dollar terms and will also allow Jade to expand its footprint in the US and build on existing customer relationships in the market," he says.

“Master Terminal stood out because it is uniquely suited to DPH's mixed cargo ports, and offers a flexible and highly reliable system to manage operations.

“DPH is also focussed on improving efficiency and competing aggressively for market share, something that Master Terminal will equip them to do."

DPH's decision process included a visit to New Zealand in July by five company representatives to review Master Terminal sites at Port Nelson, Port Otago and CentrePort.

"After an extensive review of the Terminal Operating Systems available, Master Terminal was the only system that met the needs of our mixed cargo terminals," says Dennis Rhodes, CIO, DPH.

"We were impressed by the functionality and use of Master Terminal and the capability of the Jade team.

"We expect, once implemented, that Master Terminal will result in improved efficiency across our terminals and lead to significant savings for the company."

Implementation at DPH ports will start in the first quarter of 2013 according to Jade, who are also enjoying considerable success in the Middle East, supporting the company's aim to be the fastest growing terminal operating system provider in that region.