EuropePorts and LogisticsTech

Rotterdam promotes pronto port calls with shared platform

The Port of Rotterdam is pushing other ports, agents and lines around the world to share data to improve efficiencies during port calls.

Europe’s largest port has created a new company PortXchange Products to offer its Portxchange synchronizer platform and app to ports around the world. The move has powerful strategic partners in the form of Shell International Trading and Shipping and A.P. Moller – Maersk.

“Trust between parties for the free exchange of data is vital to the successful introduction of Portxchange synchronizer in other ports. The establishment of a separate company enables the solution’s neutrality and independence, and improves cooperation between all parties,” the port stated in a release.

Portxchange synchronizer is a joint platform that can be used by shipping companies, agents, terminals, port authorities and other service providers to optimally plan, execute and monitor all activities during a port call based on the exchange of standardised data. In addition, Pronto enables just-in-time sailing, which helps reduce carbon emissions.

“By making our application available to ports across the world we can optimise the potential of digital solutions. The more ports use smart solutions, the more valuable these become. The establishment of a separate company for Portxchange synchronizer’s global roll out is an excellent example of this approach,” said Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Grahaeme Henderson, vice president of Shell Shipping: “We are moving towards a global, end-to-end digitally connected operating environment for shipping, as in the airline industry. For example, at Shell, our onshore digital centre is able to analyse 500 data points a second in real time from each ship we manage. In partnering on Portxchange synchronizer, we can see opportunities to extend this work to optimising port operations. The results of our trials so far have already shown the great benefits in increased efficiency, reduced fuel and operating costs, and lower emissions.”

Kent Stig Hagbarth, head of operations execution at A.P. Moller-Maersk, said: “We see a significant need and opportunity to improve the collaboration, communication, and single data usage amongst port participants for optimised sailing and port calls for vessels. The aim of the Portxchange synchronizer platform, to enable just-in-time arrival and optimise the port stay of our vessels, not only enables us to increase schedule reliability to the benefit of our customers but also to achieve our goal of reducing our CO2 emissions.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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