THE NECESSITY OF PORT COMMUNITY SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CROATIAN SEAPORTS

The paper researches the necessity and requirements for Port Community System (PCS) implementation in Croatian seaport clusters. The authors define the Port Community and analyze the basic features of seaport clusters and Port Community Members (PCM). The most important documents in seaport operations are identified and analyzed. The role of Port Authority as the most important factor of PCS implementation in the Croatian seaports is defined. The Seaport Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems are defined and analyzed, and phases of ICT integration in Port Community are determined, along with the current status of the Croatian seaports regarding ICT integration. The potential benefits of PCS implementation in the Croatian seaports are stressed. Finally, a definite need for PCS implementation is determined, in order to achieve and maintain the Croatian seaport competitiveness in global maritime transport industry.