One crucial innovation has been the Port Community System of Portbase. This supply chain-wide digital solution allows all links in the port to exchange information easily and efficiently. Through the Port Community System, Portbase offers over 40 different services for all links in the logistics chain - from containers and general cargo to dry bulk and liquid bulk – allowing greater efficiency and reduced costs.
video: Portbase corporate video
Portbase is helping the Port of Rotterdam prepare for a multitude of possible future developments in the maritime and logistics sector. That includes Brexit. Once the UK is no longer part of the EU single market, customs obligations will be in effect at Dutch ports and having the Port Communication System in place will make this much easier to handle.
“The Port of Rotterdam, in close cooperation with Dutch Customs, the transport and logistics sectors, and the Rotterdam port community are advising exporters and importers to urgently subscribe to Portbase,” says Mark Dijk. “Portbase is a convenient way for exporters and importers in EU-UK freight trade to comply with the new customs formalities that will apply to both short-sea and ferry traffic as soon as Brexit materialises. However, for this solution to work properly, every link in the logistics chain must participate. We are, therefore, urging all parties to subscribe to Portbase without further delay, to ensure cargo can always be swiftly transported via the Dutch ports, even after Brexit.” Full information about how to get ready for Brexit is available via the Portbase website.
Despite the uncertainty around Brexit, Rotterdam is preparing to stay connected (physically and digitally) with the UK, both in the short term and to assure market access to the rest of Europe in the long term. All the key players in Rotterdam are committed to making this happen – we are working together as a city, but also with the UK. We are in this together as countries.
Rotterdam: always staying one-step ahead
The maritime cluster in Rotterdam is future-obsessed and continually driving innovations. One recent example of this is Pronto, Rotterdam’s new port call optimisation system. This video explains how this shared platform offers shipping companies, agents, terminals and other service providers a smarter, more efficient way to exchange information about port calls. Pronto reduces waiting times for ships (up to 20%) and results in better predictability and lower CO2 emissions.
Video: Pronto: Port Call Optimisation
Maritime shipping emits around 1 billion tonnes of CO2 each year. Just in Time sailing supported by Pronto will significantly reduce this. Eliminating unnecessary early arrivals at the port enable ships to sail slower, consume less fuel and reduces the anchor time. Pronto can monitor the optimal sailing speed of a vessel before arrival and gives an alert when the vessel is going to reach the pilot boarding place early.
Rotterdam is an up-and-coming tech hub
Rotterdam is determined to maintain its world-leading position as a centre of maritime expertise. That means never standing still. Innovations are constantly being created, tested and applied in Rotterdam. The open innovation ecosystem offers great business opportunities for large companies, as well as SMEs, to work with leading maritime companies on new technology that will transform the future of shipping and logistics. One of those new tech companies is digital freight broker, Shypple.