The importance of working together and sharing data is increasing all the time

Erniesoft has worked closely with Portbase to develop the new functionalities in the services required for the Secure Chain. The firm was already involved in the pilot phase and conducted extensive testing to optimise the services.

The goal of the new approach to prenotification within the Secure Chain is a closed release and collection process involving only authorised Shipping Lines, Agents, Shippers, Forwarders and Inland Operators within the Portbase services. “This integration marks a crucial step in the drive for increased security and reliability within the logistics processes.  This closer cooperation and improved secure data exchange will help us better serve our customers and remain at the forefront of the logistics sector as a leading TMS vendor”, says Mehmet Erbil of Erniesoft.

Based in Schiedam, the Netherlands, Erniesoft is a leading player in the logistics sector and serves global customers.

What benefits does Erniesoft get from the Portbase services in relation to the Secure Chain?

  • Firstly, e-Lips TMS offers seamless integration with Portbase, allowing customers to benefit from automated data exchange that promotes efficiency.

Erniesoft’s ambition is to reduce the number of manual operations performed by planners to the minimum.

Thanks to the new link with Portbase for the Secure Chain, planners can control everything effortlessly without any manual processes.

  • Secure Chain integrated into e-Lips TMS
  • All containers are automatically assigned to the inland operator by the customer/forwarder. e-Lips TMS then processes all containers assigned to the carrier 100% automatically within the Secure Chain. This allows the planner to see immediately whether everything is in place for the container prenotification, making manual status checks unnecessary. In addition, e-Lips TMS enables automatic nomination for containers transported by another inland operator directly within the terminal management system.

Erniesoft faces the challenge of making sure e-Lips TMS contains the right API links to ensure smooth operation of the Secure Chain. Erniesoft needs to be constantly up-to-date on the latest technological developments and be able to apply them effectively in order to meet its customers’ needs and ensure smooth operation of the Secure Chain in e-Lips TMS.

Erniesoft strongly believes in good communication and close relationships with customers, and especially in informing them of major changes such as within the Secure Chain. One way of doing so was to hold a customer day at which Portbase provided the guest speaker.  In addition, Erniesoft sends out regular newsletters and shares updates through its Social Media channels.

“Our customer-centric approach also includes close contact through face-to-face meetings and follow-ups, allowing us to get immediate feedback and address any questions or concerns about the Secure Chain. With this approach, we are making sure our customers are always properly informed and get the necessary support to cope with the changes resulting from the Secure Chain.”

Kraaijeveld positive about import process for containers thanks to new working method via service Cargo Controller

“A challenge we face as an organisation is collecting and collating information in a central location so that the import process is disrupted as little as possible”, says Maria Lagendijk-Casteleijn of Kraaijeveld.  

Based in Maasland (Netherlands), Kraaijeveld serves global clients in the gastronomic wholesale, processing industry and retail sectors.

“In the pilot phase, we joined the Secure Chain, the partnership between business and government for a more secure and reliable release and collection process for import containers.

By using the service Cargo Controller, we try to make the import process as quick as possible. Aspects like security in the chain, efficiency and insight into the process are important for our organisation.”

“We have observed positive changes with the new way of working thanks to the Secure Chain. For instance, we are able to easily share data, but also to quickly and easily view the status of the import shipment. And that makes life easier. Because we control all the processes ourselves, the release and collection of import containers is simpler, faster and more transparent thanks to the Secure Chain!”

Want more information on how to join the Secure Chain via Portbase? Click here.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II shares extra data elements in Cargo Controller

Sharing reliable data is essential to keep the logistics chain running smoothly, this is something Portbase and APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) fully believe in. APMT MVII is sharing additional data elements in Cargo Controller effective immediately. Through this cooperation, they enable the industry to work more efficiently and safely, in one central platform.

“APMT MVII wants to become Europe’s most modern gateway, sharing crucial data that helps the chain to increase reliability is an important part of that” says Harold Kunst, Managing Director of APMT MVII.

Therefore, from now on, the following additional data elements are available in Cargo Controller:

  • ETA/ETD vessel
  • Gate out – only available after nomination of carrier (Secure Chain)

* APM has the right to change or alter these conditions. All parties involved will be properly informed of any changes to the conditions ahead of time.

”We see in the market that there is great demand for reliable data, coming directly from the terminals, and we are happy that we can cater to this need through this collaboration, to serve the port community. By doing so, we have laid the foundation of how we can share data, to build Europe’s smartest ports together” states Iwan van der Wolf, Managing Director of Portbase.

Your benefits
The terminal data now available in the Portbase service Cargo Controller is going to move the port forward. Making APMT MVII data available offers you the following benefits:

  • Reliable data directly from the terminal
  • Data from various sources centrally available in the Port Community System (PCS)
  • Greater efficiency in the logistics chain
  • Time savings due to fewer searches in various systems
  • Retention of relevant data

For more about the availability of terminal data in Cargo Controller, click here.

Digitalisation helps make port logistics more sustainable

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue for port logistics companies. As a neutral logistics platform, Portbase wants to help the community move forward in this area. After all, as well as improving quality, digitalisation results in increased efficiency, which in turn is the basis for more sustainable operations. A recently developed emissions reduction model shows the potential CO2 savings from using the Port Community System (PCS).

“We worked with research firm Ecorys to develop the emissions reduction model”, says Stephanie van den Berg. As Lead Sustainability, she is responsible for sustainability efforts at Portbase. “The model gives companies concrete insight into their potential sustainability gains from using Portbase services, and in particular the emissions reductions they could achieve by participating in our services Notification Import Documentation, Notification Export Documentation and Hinterland Container Notification.”

Making potential CO2 savings tangible

For the model, Ecorys made realistic calculations of potential emissions reductions from using the relevant Portbase services. Stephanie: “Think better flow at terminals, fewer empty chassis, less stopping and waiting, better capacity utilisation and a modal shift. The results are visible in the model as potential savings in tons of CO2 and in euros. These figures have also been translated into the number of trees, flights between Amsterdam and Rome, train trips between Amsterdam and Paris, years of driving a petrol-powered car and years of electricity consumption by an average Dutch household. Overall, we can say that the figures do show that digitalising the ports – and hence making them more efficient – also contributes to making them more sustainable.”

Sustainability a key component of strategy

The emissions reduction model is one of the elements in a more comprehensive sustainability strategy for the period 2023 – 2025. Through this strategy, Portbase wants to further contribute to meeting the sustainability challenges facing the community. Stephanie: “In the sustainability strategy, we define three areas of focus: our own organisation, our portfolio of services for the market and the larger ecosystem within which we operate at Portbase.”

Concrete actions

The detailed mapping of Portbase’s own footprint is scheduled for 2024. Stephanie anticipates a positive outcome. “We already have a sustainable mobility policy, explicitly focus on employee safety and vitality, are located in a sustainable building certified as BREEAM excellent, and our services run in a cloud that will be 100% green by 2025.”

The emissions reduction model is one of the tools in the portfolio of services provided to customers. “When expanding existing services and developing new ones, we will also be actively promoting sustainability by including emissions reduction in our prioritisation”, says Stephanie. “Finally, in the larger ecosystem, our primary focus is on disseminating or acquiring knowledge, nationally and internationally, and forming coalitions. The ultimate goal is emission-free ports by 2050.”

Taking a lead for the community

How and in what role Portbase can further contribute to making ports more sustainable in the coming years is an open question for Stephanie. “The emissions reduction model shows that digitalisation has concrete effects. Now we are trying to identify the appropriate next steps. What does the community need? We want to identify future sustainability trends and catalogue the rapidly increasing volume of laws and regulations. What impact will they have on the ports’ core processes? More and more actors are realising that now is the time to act. As a neutral umbrella organisation of and for the community, we enjoy engaging with our customers, in customer panels and our strategic advisory board. We like to hear what our customers’ needs are in terms of making port logistics more sustainable. With the help of digitalisation, we can do a lot more in terms of sustainability!”

CMA CGM Holland BV is expanding the roll-out of the Secure Chain

CMA CGM Holland BV is expanding the roll-out of the Secure Chain system to release shipments to customers without the use of pincodes. The new system increases the security of the release from carrier to customer, forwarder and haulier. The pincodes have been removed from the process to ensure that no sensitive details can be shared with third parties. Within Portbase there are very easy to use functionalities to receive and nominate shipment releases.

“We are confident that using the new Secure Chain system is a very important step towards the increased safety of our staff. We see a smooth transfer nominating the “rights” of the shipment from carrier to customer and then onwards to the final party who will pick up the container at the terminal. Multi Factor Authentication is mandatory to log into Portbase which ensures we have a full track record of all entries.”

Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam will start sharing data elements in Cargo Controller by December 2023

Portbase and terminal Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) are working together to improve data sharing in the port of Rotterdam. Portbase and ECT believe that this cooperation will enable the logistics sector to work more efficiently and safely, in one central platform. Therefore, in December 2023, additional data elements will be displayed in Cargo Controller.

Your benefit

Making ECT data available in the Portbase service Cargo Controller offers you the following advantages:

  • Data from different sources centrally available in Port Community System (PCS).
  • Time savings due to less searching in various systems.
  • Reliable data directly from the terminal
  • Greater efficiency in the logistics chain
  • Retention of relevant data.

The data elements

The following data elements will be added to the Cargo Controller service in December 2023:

ECT applies conditions for accessing the data. These may vary per element. Read more about ECT conditions and data elements here. For all elements you need to have a MyTerminal account with ECT. We advise you to create your account in time. If not, you risk losing necessary data. Read here what you need to do to keep your discharge confirmation.

MyData in IAMconnected environment

Due to the new link between Portbase and ECT, you as the main user or data manager of your organisation will have access to the MyData environment in the IAMconnected home screen.  Through MyData, you will be able to view and manage all of your data authorisations in the future. You do not need to take any action at this time.

Would you like to know more about MyData? Then click here.

Data availability.

The named data elements are made available to Cargo Controller customers. Both web screen users, and customers using an API system link will see the same information for now. In 2024, other conditions will be imposed on the use of ECT data in Cargo Controller API. You will be informed about any changes in a timely manner.

Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam will start sharing data elements in Cargo Controller by December 2023

Portbase and terminal Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) are working together to improve data sharing in the port of Rotterdam. Portbase and ECT believe that this cooperation will enable the logistics sector to work more efficiently and safely, in one central platform. Therefore, in December 2023, additional data elements will be displayed in Cargo Controller.

Your benefit

Making ECT data available in the Portbase service Cargo Controller offers you the following advantages:

  • Data from different sources centrally available in Port Community System (PCS).
  • Time savings due to less searching in various systems.
  • Reliable data directly from the terminal
  • Greater efficiency in the logistics chain
  • Retention of relevant data.

The data elements

The following data elements will be added to the Cargo Controller service in December 2023:

ECT applies conditions for accessing the data. These may vary per element. Read more about ECT conditions and data elements here. For all elements you need to have a MyTerminal account with ECT. We advise you to create your account in time. If not, you risk losing necessary data. Read here what you need to do to keep your discharge confirmation.

MyData in IAMconnected environment

Due to the new link between Portbase and ECT, you as the main user or data manager of your organisation will have access to the MyData environment in the IAMconnected home screen.  Through MyData, you will be able to view and manage all of your data authorisations in the future. You do not need to take any action at this time.

Would you like to know more about MyData? Then click here.

Data availability.

The named data elements are made available to Cargo Controller customers. Both web screen users, and customers using an API system link will see the same information for now. In 2024, other conditions will be imposed on the use of ECT data in Cargo Controller API. You will be informed about any changes in a timely manner.

Smooth transition to new Customs rules on entry (ICS2)

The European Union is introducing the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for the maritime sector as of June 3, 2024. Declarations for the ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) and ATO (Declaration to Temporary Storage) will change significantly as a result. But good news: in consultation with the community, Portbase will automatically adjust the services Pre-arrival Cargo Declaration Import (for the ENS) and Cargo Declaration Import (for the ATO) for you.

The updated services closely match the wishes of our participants.
Together with industry associations and customer groups, we have sought a solution with minimal impact and optimal preservation of data for reuse in the continuation of the logistics chain. In particular, we are greatly expanding the ENS service for the new ICS2 legislation. Via Portbase, it will also be possible to make ENS reports in other European ports. The renewed services are suitable for all sectors: bulk, ferry, containers (shortsea, feeder, deepsea) and general cargo.

The impact of ICS2 for the declarant.

In brief, ICS2 ensures the following changes:

  • ENS declarations occur at a central European system (Shared Trader Interface, STI) instead of at Customs in the first member state of entry
  • The new ENS requires much more data. Whereas summary data (at master level) is sufficient now, more detailed data will soon be required (at house level)
  • Multiple parties may submit the required data for the ENS (= multiple filing)
  • The Notification of Arrival of the vessel in the EU is also done in the central European system
  • The submission of the ATO for goods unloaded in the port is done as now with the national customs authority. However:
    • The data common in the ENS and ATO must not deviate from each other
    • The declarant may refer to the ENS in the ATO. As a result, less data will be needed when submitting.

Pricing of renewed Portbase services

Extending the services Pre-arrival Cargo Declaration Import and Cargo Declaration Import for ICS2 leads to more costs. We are linking to a central European system, the number of transactions is growing and requires more checks and balances. We incorporate this into our rates. As is well known, Portbase operates on a non-profit basis. Our rates cover costs. Questions about what this means for you? Please contact us.

 

Service Pre-arrival Cargo Declaration Import: ENS international

By linking to the central European system STI for ICS2, participants can submit their ENS declarations for all European ports through our service Pre-arrival Cargo Declaration Import. We also provide the Notification of Arrival to the European system. Internationally operating companies thus have one central solution. In case of multiple filing, you as shipping company, shipbroker or agent submit your part of the information (master data) via Cargo Declaration Import. For submitting house data for multiple filing, you make separate arrangements with the forwarder or shipper. Portbase does not support this.

Service Cargo Declaration Import: ready for changed requirements

The introduction of ICS2 changes the current ATO into a TSD (Temporary Storage Declaration) or TSR (Temporary Storage Reuse). A TSD requires submission of a complete data set (at the house level). For a TSR, the required dataset is more limited and further reference is made to the previous ENS. The updated Service Cargo Declaration Import notification is suitable for both scenarios. In the case of a TSR in which the ENS declaration runs outside Portbase, it has been agreed with the community that the shipping company, shipbroker or agent will always continue to supply us with the master data. Reuse of this data is essential for the optimal functioning of numerous processes in the continuation of the logistics chain, such as:

  • Automated and uniform notifications of customs inspections and subsequent release
  • Reuse of cargo data in multiple follow-up entries
  • A fully automated process for transhipment (REN)
  • Exchange of unloading lists and unloading discrepancies between Customs, shipping company and terminal
  • Optimal planning for hinterland parties.

Message specification coming soon

The message specifications for the updated Pre-arrival Cargo Declaration Import and Cargo Declaration Import will be available in the near future for both EDI and API. You will receive further information from us at that time. Our advice is to reserve capacity in advance. Both for your own IT development and connecting to Portbase.

Prepare ahead of time

The introduction of ICS2 also has an impact for your clients. For the ENS, for example, you will need more data from them. You can read extensive information about ICS2 on the European Union website, in the Union Customs Code and on the Dutch Customs website. Included is a helpful outline of the updated Portbase services. In the coming months, we will inform you in detail about follow-up steps through several channels. If you have any questions before then, please contact account manager Michiel de Ruijter from our Sales Department at 088 – 625 25 00 or sales@portbase.com.

In close consultation with the community, Portbase unburdens you in a timely manner for all ICS2 changes. Moreover, all data is retained for optimal reuse. Together with you, we make existing and upcoming port logistics processes ever smarter.

Dutch Loodswezen Rotterdam-Rijnmond now uses IAMconnected

It is now possible to use IAMconnected to log in to the Nederlands Loodswezen Rotterdam-Rijnmond GIDS application (the joint interactive services system for Dutch pilots).

This application is used by nautical service providers in Rotterdam to optimise capacity utilisation. The system provides insight into all nautical information surrounding a vessel’s arrival and/or departure, while also making the planning and deployment of services transparent.

IAMconnected is the Portbase community’s login tool for port logistics services such as Portbase’s Port Community System, Port of Rotterdam services and now the pilots’ GIDS system. Log in easily and securely with one account.

If you would like to connect your service to IAMconnected so that your customers can log in securely and easily, please contact Portbase.

If you would also like to access GIDS via IAMconnected, please contact Nederlands Loodswezen at rtm.customerservice@loodswezen.nl.

Portbase says goodbye to Voyage Information

As of 29th of February 2024, Portbase will say goodbye to the Voyage Information service.

Since 2006, Portbase has been offering the Voyage Information service free of charge for tracking vessels in the Dutch ports. This was done in addition to tracking container cargo via Cargo Controller (formerly called Cargo Information).

Currently, the Voyage Information service no longer meets the technical standards used by Portbase. In addition to this, the arrival of the Cargo Controller and Hinterland Container Notification has caused a significant drop in the use of Voyage Information, so it is no longer necessary to continue offering this service.

Therefore, the Voyage Information service will be shut down on 29th of February 2024. Please make sure to switch to one of the two alternatives (Cargo Controller or Hinterland Container Notification) in time, to prevent you from missing out on (possible) information. Depending on your role, you can choose to use either Cargo Controller or Hinterland Container Notification.

Cargo Controller
For customers with the role of shipper or forwarder who are not yet using Cargo Controller, we recommend switching to Cargo Controller before the date above. Cargo Controller gives you personal control over your cargo. More information about Cargo Controller can be found here.

Hinterland Container Notification
For customers with the role of carrier who are not yet using Hinterland Container Notification, we recommend switching to Hinterland Container Notification before the above date. Hinterland Container Notification offers you a multimodal prenotification portal for prenotifying visits and containers. More information about Hinterland Container Notification can be found here.

If you have any questions or require more information about the discontinuation of the service Voyage Information, please contact the Sales department on +31(0)88 625 25 34 or at sales@portbase.com.