Collaboration with Port of Rotterdam, Portbase and Erasmus University for the port of the future

As the largest European port, Rotterdam is at the forefront of smarter, cleaner and more efficient production and organization of logistics. Information exchange and knowledge development are crucial. Existing economic sectors are under pressure from new economic activities and jobs are digitizing rapidly. New technologies and transitions in the field of energy supply and digitization offer unprecedented opportunities for economic activities in Rotterdam, the region and the hinterland. (International) students at Erasmus University Rotterdam are grasping the opportunity to prepare themselves for the port of future.

Port Management & Maritime Logistics

For several years now, the Port of Rotterdam Authority has been participating in the Minor Port Management & Maritime Logistics as a challenger and “client” for the integration assignment. In this way, international students are instructed to contribute to new digital and sustainable business models and value propositions. As of this year, Portbase has also joined the Minor program by making a few datasets available to students. Portbase has an enormous wealth of data and already offers a wide variety of intelligent digital services. In this academic year, Portbase has made a so-called Sandboxx available, where students will find three datasets that they can use for their assignment. To conclude the Minor, the students present their ideas to professionals from the Port Authority and Portbase.

New talent for the port of the future

With this collaboration, Portbase hopes to contribute to the development of new talent for the port of the future. On the one hand, Portbase wants to promote open innovation by sharing data and enabling other interested parties to build new propositions on the available data. Obviously with the permission of the data owners. On the other hand, Portbase wants to show students the interesting digital port world in the future after their time at Erasmus University. In this way, both the Port Authority and Portbase actively use their knowledge and network to ensure a better match between education and the business community, with more attention to IT jobs in the port.

Towards the renewed version of HCN Road: Pilots successfully underway

Soon, the updated version of Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Road will become available to all road hauliers. Together with various other parties, we are currently conducting pilots, both for the use of HCN Road via the web and via the latest API link-ups. Immediately thereafter, we will also commence the pilot for customers with an existing system link-up such as EDI & API. Read more →

rst noord

RST South is postponing the implementation of the new TOS

The news item below was published at the end of September. At the end of September you received the following notification. Unfortunately, RST South has to postpone the implementation of the new Terminal Operating System (TOS) to 7-8-9 November 2020. Read the full message here.

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During the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2020, Rotterdam Short Sea Terminals South (RST South) is migrating to a new Terminal Operating System (TOS). As a result, operations at both RST South and RST North will be suspended for that weekend. You can read all the details here. After that weekend, RST South and RST North will serve you with a single joint TOS. Following the change, the use of several Portbase services will become mandatory (at least in part).

Hinterland Container Notification Barge (HCN Barge)
From 07:00 on 19 October 2020, you will now also be required to prenotify the containers of your inland vessels (as well as your visits) via HCN Barge. This applies to both RST South and RST North. This will further strengthen HCN Barge’s role as your central gateway to the entire port. Please note! RST does not yet allow you to make status requests for your containers or update your prenotifications.

Terminal code: NLRTM + RSTNO / NLRTM + RSTZU
EAN code: 8713755259860

Hinterland Container Notification Road (HCN Road)
From 07.00 on 19 October 2020, you will be able to prenotify your visits to RST South and RST North via HCN Road (and Road Planning EDI) under a single terminal with a single TOS. This prenotification is new for RST South. A driver who is properly prenotified via HCN Road (including customs documents) will complete his formalities at a self-service desk and will no longer have to queue up at the counter. As a result, his terminal visit will be 25% quicker.

In the course of 2021, RST will make the use of HCN Road mandatory. Even before that, RST will be introducing TAR codes. A properly prenotified driver with a TAR code will no longer have to leave his cabin upon arrival at the terminal. This will further reduce the turnaround time of his visit.

Please note! RST does not yet allow you to make status requests for your containers.

Terminal code: NLRTM + RST
EAN code: 8713755259860

Notification Import Documentation and Notification Export Documentation
For some time, you have had the option of prenotifying all your customs documents for both RST South and RST North via the Portbase services Notification Import Documentation and Notification Export Documentation. As of 1 January, 2021 RST is making prenotification of these documents mandatory for all shipments. From then on, you will only be able to collect and deliver your containers after the corresponding customs document has been digitally prenotified via Portbase. This applies to both Brexit and other containers. Not yet a participant? Go to www.portbase.com/brexit to find out how to sign up, also for the services Import Status and Track & Trace Export. Doing so will allow you to check the customs status of your containers with RST in advance, so preventing unnecessary journeys.

Further information
If you would like to know more about one or more of these Portbase services, check out Portbase Support for instruction videos, manuals and the answers to frequently asked questions.

UWT will phase in implementation of Pre-notification via Portbase

Please note! The go-live date of Pre-notification via Portbase at UWT has been changed. You can visit UWT without prior notification until further notice. However, pre-notification is still required for night and weekend visits. This can be done using the known alternative methods. Please, read the updated information below.

The empty depots UWT Bunschotenweg and UWT Waalhaven will phase in the pre-notification via Portbase. The reason for this is to spread the pressure at the UWT desks. A pilot with four hauliers is currently running. Scaling up will gradually take place and more hauliers will be connected. After the pre-notification, you will automatically receive status information. For visits at night and in the weekend, pre-notification and the possession of a cargo card remain required for both UWT locations. This can be done via Portbase as well as via the known alternative methods.

The benefits
UWT Bunschotenweg and UWT Waalhaven are the first empty depots to start using the Portbase services Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Road / Road Planning EDI. The benefits:
• You can optimally plan each visit to both empty depots
• Advance insight into the booking status and/or acceptance of an empty container
• Easy access to the depot via TAR code (Truck Appointment Reference)
• Smoother process at the service desk
• Faster trip across the depot
• One single portal for the entire port: pre-notification via Port Community System

TAR code and time slots
When pre-notifying, you also request a time slot from UWT. The TAR code that you receive via Portbase next offers your driver easy access to the depot. Please note! For the time being, only one container is linked to a TAR code.  UWT uses three time slots: one for during the day (6 am to 10 pm) one for at night (10 pm to 6 am) and one for the weekend (Saturday 6 am to 12 am).

Commercial Manager Willem Beskers of UWT: “Pre-notification and cargo card possession is mandatory for visiting our Bunschotenweg and Waalhaven facilities at night and during the weekend. For reasons of safety and efficiency, only drivers who have been pre-notified will be granted access at those times. In time, we will also make pre-notification mandatory during the daytime.”

Practical information
You will receive a separate message about when you can pre-notify your visit to both empty depots. Do you work from your own system via HCN Road API or Road Planning EDI? Then consult the table below for the necessary codes. We have also communicated these to your software supplier.

  EAN code Location code (edifact) Location code (XML/SMDG)
UWT Depot Bunschotenweg 8713755903541 NLRTM + UWT NLRTMUWT
UWT Depot Waalhaven 8713755047085 NLRTM + WHT NLRTMWHT

Do you have any questions? The Portbase Service Desk will gladly assist you. You can reach us at servicedesk@portbase.com and at +31 (0)88 625 25 25.

Deal or no deal: customs formalities are a fact

January 1 2021 is fast approaching! From that date on, customs formalities will be in effect for all cargo traffic with the United Kingdom. As a Portbase customer, you are already quite prepared for this. In the new Get Ready for Brexit newsletter, you can read what else you may need to or can do.

Portbase Support, for example, features useful tips for beginners in the Port Community System (PCS) and short instruction videos for using our services Notification Export Documentation, Notification Import Documentation, Track & Trace Export and Import Status. This allows you to familiarise yourself with these services in a timely manner so that you are fully ready on the 1st of January 2021!

Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to the following:
• An additional overarching terminal contract is required for the use of Notification Import Documentation at the shortsea and ferry terminals. Have you already arranged this? If not, you can request this terminal contract from Portbase via sales@portbase.com and return it signed.
• If you work via a system link-up, it is essential that you use the most recent versions of Notification Import Documentation and Notification Export Documentation for the pre-notification of customs documents at shortsea and ferry terminals via Portbase. Verify this with your IT department or software supplier. You can find the relevant EDI specifications here.

We wish you the best of luck with your Brexit preparations. Together, we can prevent delays!

Real-time, around-the-clock insight into Port Community System availability

Portbase will introduce a separate status website on July 23, 2020. Via status.portbase.com, all parties will be able to easily check the real-time availability of the Port Community System (PCS) and all PCS services at any moment of the day or night. At the same time, Portbase is improving the information provision at the moment when an actual disruption occurs. In the near future, PCS users and other stakeholders will be able to receive notifications regarding such events via both email and the newly available options of SMS, RSS feed and webhook. Portbase strives to optimally inform the community at all times. 

Among the major points for improvement identified in Portbase’s most recent customer satisfaction survey was the provision of information regarding disruptions in the PCS. While the services have a high rate of availability (99.95%), every disruption is one too many. Portbase understands that, at such times, PCS users and other stakeholders want to be informed immediately. At the same time, the source of a disruption sometimes lies outside the PCS, blocking the delivery of digital messages. Such external issues might occur with the provider, in the systems of other links in the logistical chain, and so on.  

Real-time, around-the-clock insight  

Portbase strives to be fully open and transparent in its dealings with clients and other stakeholders. The introduction of a central status website represents a further step toward this objective. This website displays the current status of every Portbase service in real time. It will also inform users of scheduled maintenance. As a result, all parties will have access to the most up-to-date information regarding the availability of the PCS. 

Updates via other channels in addition to email 

In the event of scheduled maintenance or a disruption, Portbase is always pro-active in informing PCS users and other stakeholders by email. What’s more, it is now implementing a number of improvements: 

  • Instead of sending an automatic update every 45 minutes during a disruption, Portbase will send notifications only when there has been a status change. This will eliminate excessive emails to users and stakeholders. 
  • In addition to email, it is now possible to receive notifications via other channels as well. These channels include SMS, RSS feed and webhook (which makes it possible to display the information from the status website directly in the user’s own digital environment). All parties will be able to manage their own message preferences. 

Those who are not currently receiving disruption notifications will be able to register easily. When registering, users will be able to indicate the services on which they would like to receive information. Users will also be able to choose from various channels. The full communication protocol to be used in the event of PCS unavailability can be found here. 

Future 

Portbase is aware of its clients’ strong desire for a single source of insight into the availability of all systems connected to the PCS (Customs, container terminals, etc.). The new status website will serve as a foundation for taking further steps in this direction. 

Further information 

Any questions? Visit our support page or contact our Service Desk. They can be reached at +31 (0)88 625 25 25 or servicedesk@portbase.com. 

First barge operators successfully go live with HCN Barge API

HTS Intermodaal and neska Container Line are the first barge operators to be connected via APIs to the Portbase service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Barge by their software suppliers Modality and Yellowstar. Both barge operators now automatically and quickly submit their pre-notifications from their own systems. Modality / HTS Intermodaal and Yellowstar / neska Container Line share their experiences.

Modality and HTS Intermodaal

‘The main advantage of the API technology is speed’
“Generally speaking, we are highly satisfied with the use of APIs,” says Evert van Hoven, Managing Director of Modality. “We have already been applying them in the interfaces between different customers for years. The main advantage of the API technology is speed. One click of the mouse and the information is immediately available in the system on the other side. With EDI, there is quite a time lag.”

Intensive cooperation
Barge operator HTS is one of Modality’s customers that has already been working with APIs for a longer period of time. Their registration as a pilot customer for HCN Barge API was very welcome. “HTS Intermodaal was keen to cooperate,” says Van Hoven. “They are investing a lot of time, experience and energy into helping us and Portbase from their daily practice.” Within a few months, a stable HCN Barge API was thus realised for HTS Intermodaal. “When determining the API specifications, Portbase also requested input from us and from HTS Intermodaal. We went back and forth. In this way, the final API specifications were established.”

All advance information directly from the own system
As a first step, HTS Intermodaal is now fully submitting the pre-notifications for the large deepsea terminals in the port of Rotterdam via HCN Barge API. All information about ship and cargo is directly communicated from HTS Intermodaal’s own system to Portbase via APIs. It is no longer necessary to use the web screens of HCN Barge to report ship rotations and to pre-notify ship visits. Van Hoven: “In the meantime, we have started initiating phase 2 for HTS Intermodaal, in which we are building additional fields so that the required information from HCN Barge API is automatically sent to Nextlogic for their integrated planning of all container barge visits to the port of Rotterdam. Step by step, we are working towards the end result.”

Connecting other barge operators next
“The cooperation between Portbase and us is good,” concludes Van Hoven. “There is daily contact and each week we have a progress meeting. As soon as phase 2 works flawlessly, we are planning to also offer the other barge operators who are our customers the option to switch to HCN Barge API.”

“The main advantage of the API technology is speed. One click of the mouse and the information is immediately available in the system on the other side. With EDI, there is quite a time lag.”

Evert van Hoven, Managing Director of Modality

Yellowstar and neska Container Line

‘We now receive much better information at much faster speeds’
“Recently, our IT systems were made suitable for the automatic processing of all the data that we receive from others and send out ourselves,” says Hans Buytendijk, Managing Director of neska Container Line. “HCN Barge API plays an important role in this. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure to be properly connected to this.”
Together with software supplier Yellowstar, the company has been a frontrunner in the realisation of a fully-fledged API connection. Buytendijk: “As a frontrunner, you are directly involved in the processes that are to be developed. After all, there is often a discrepancy between daily practice and the plans that are devised at the drawing board. In dialogue with all the parties involved, you are able to actually participate and thus achieve the correct implementation.”

Pre-notification without manual actions
neska Container Line now uses HCN Barge API to pre-notify at all the major deepsea terminals at the Maasvlakte. Yellowstar’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rianne Groffen: “neska Container Line no longer needs to perform any manual actions for pre-notification. This saves time and prevents errors. All necessary data about travel, visits and containers is sent to the terminals via HCN Barge API and is also sent back to neska Container Line in the same manner.”

Time for the customer
“In concrete terms, this means we receive much better information at much faster speeds; next, we can automatically process this,” explains Buytendijk the advantages. “Ultimately, this takes us to a higher level as a company. Our staff no longer need to spend their time on repetitive manual activities. Instead, they can focus on the customer and on coming up with creative solutions to relevant transport questions.”

Ready for Nextlogic
As soon as they receive the go-ahead, Yellowstar will also connect neska Container Line to Nextlogic via HCN Barge API. Groffen: “We are happy with the Portbase – Nextlogic collaboration and the choice of the latest API technology. Now, all we need to do for the upcoming integrated planning of all container barge calls to the port of Rotterdam is link neska Container Line with Portbase. That provides clarity and makes things easier for all parties involved.”

“HCN Barge API ensures that we receive much better information at much faster speeds; next, we can automatically process this. Ultimately, this takes us to a higher level as a company. Our staff no longer need to spend their time on repetitive manual activities. Instead, they can focus on the customer and on coming up with creative solutions to relevant transport questions.”

Hans Buytendijk, Managing Director of neska Container Line

Brexit: no extension of transition period; consequences in Dutch ports immediately after 31 December 2020

The UK formally left the EU on the 31st of January 2020. Since that date, a transition period has been in effect which will come to an end on the 31st of December 2020. During this period, all EU rules and laws continue to be applicable to the UK; virtually nothing will change for citizens and companies in the EU and the UK. They have time to prepare for the new agreements that the EU and the UK will establish regarding their future relationship after the 31st of December 2020.

Transition period

The transition period could have been extended had both parties agreed to do so prior to the 1st of July 2020. However, the British have indicated that they do not want to do this. Now that the deadline of the 1st of July has expired, it is no longer possible to extend the transition period under the Withdrawal Agreement.

New relationship

This means that the UK and the EU have until this autumn to reach consensus on the new relationship between both parties. The new agreements must come into effect after the transition period expires on the 31st of December 2020. They will first need to be ratified by the EU countries, the British Parliament and the European Parliament. If an agreement on a new trade relationship cannot be reached, then both parties will revert to the rules of the World Trade Organisation (including higher import duties and rules for product acceptance, for example) at the end of the transition period. Negotiations are currently in a difficult phase and the EU and the UK still substantially disagree on important issues. Both parties have committed to start negotiating more intensively.

Customs formalities a fact as of 1 January 2021

Irrespective of what the outcome of the negotiations may be, companies will always have to deal with customs formalities. Even if both parties do reach consensus on a trade relationship. Take countries such as Norway and Switzerland, for example. Extensive trade relationships exist with these countries and they are also subject to customs formalities such as declarations. Once the current transition period comes to an end on the 1st of January 2021, the free movement of goods to and from the United Kingdom will no longer be possible. This applies to both shortsea traffic and ferry traffic. Companies need to prepare for this new reality.

For more information, please visit www.getreadyforbrexit.eu

Easier reporting through Notification Dangerous Goods 2.0

On June 17, we will automatically transfer all customers who use the web screens to report dangerous goods aboard visiting ships to Notification Dangerous Goods 2.0. This new version has been fully designed with the new European laws and regulations that came into effect in 2018 in mind. EDI customers will be migrated at a later time.

Notification Dangerous Goods 2.0 was developed in consultation with a project group from the business community. As a result, it is optimally geared to daily practice. Submitting the required data for the Harbour Master becomes even more convenient.

Main changes
Notification Dangerous Goods 2.0 offers a number of major changes:

  • The new version of Notification Dangerous Goods uses a separate tab within Vessel Notification. You no longer need to switch between two services on your screen;
  • You start reporting the dangerous goods on board upon arrival of the ship. You specify the hazardous substance for each tank or hold. You also need to specify the condition of the relevant tanks or holds as well as any tanks or holds that are empty. As a result, the status of the entire ship is clear for the inspection. For the remainder of the call, it is only possible to perform actions on tanks and holds that have been reported upon arrival. For containers, you need to specify which hazardous substance they hold;
  • Reporting the status of the dangerous goods upon arrival of the ship is also possible by uploading an Excel form. In this case, you must ask the captain to complete the form;
  • For each berth, you next report the activities that take place: loading, blending, unloading, cleaning, inerting, ventilating or restowing;
  • Based on these reported activities per berth, the cargo on board and the condition of the tanks or holds are always automatically recalculated for each trip. This is important in relation to inspections, for example.

In Notification Dangerous Goods 2.0, it will no longer be possible to copy dangerous substances from the Portbase service Cargo Declaration Import. In the new service, you register the dangerous substances via the web screen (including Excel upload) or by means of your system link-up (IFTDGN).

Connecting for web customers
If you report the dangerous goods via the web screens, you will be transferred to the new service as of June 17. This means that for any ship calls that are created from that date onwards, you must use the new service to report dangerous goods. For these visits, a new ‘Dangerous Goods’ tab is available in the service Vessel Notification. For calls created prior to the transition date, you must report the dangerous goods through the current service. Further instructions are available on the Portbase Support Page.

Connecting for participants via EDI
If you report the dangerous goods via the system link-up, you will be migrated to the new service at a later time. Until that time, notifications are still submitted using the current service. You will be notified of the transition date in due course.

More information
Should you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact our Service Desk. You can reach them at +31 (0)88 625 25 25 or servicedesk@portbase.com.

Portbase en Nextlogic: New phase in path towards integrated planning

Portbase and Nextlogic are working together to achieve an optimal flow of container barges in the port of Rotterdam. In this joint Update, we will inform you about the current state of affairs regarding the path towards the implementation of the integrated planning.

In February, Portbase successfully migrated all barge operators that were connected to Barge Planning to the new service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Barge. Using the data from HCN Barge, the next phase has now been initiated. In this phase, Nextlogic is working together with the participating companies to conduct the first practice-based trials with integrated planning.

In this respect, we realise that the coronavirus has made current market conditions quite challenging. Less capacity is available at companies. In consultation with all participants, we are looking for the best solutions. The commissioning of the integrated planning has therewith been postponed for three months to September 2020. You can always consult the joint website Portbase and Nextlogic connect for the current planning.

In this Update:

Practice-based trials with integrated planning underway
On the 14th of April, Nextlogic started with concrete, practice-based trials with the integrated planning. 27 barge operators, deepsea terminals and empty depots have pledged their cooperation.

API link-up creates optimal benefit
An API link-up is essential for optimally benefiting from HCN Barge. Therefore, consult with your software supplier to make the switch as soon as possible!

Important role for skippers
Skippers have an important role to play in the implementation of the integrated planning. A separate page for skippers is now available on the website ‘Portbase and Nextlogic connect’.

Do you have any questions about the solutions of Nextlogic and Portbase or about what the collaboration means for you? At Nextlogic, you can contact Wouter Groen, +31 (0)6 53 91 44 53, w.groen@nextlogic.nl. At Portbase, please contact Remmert Braat, +31 (06) 24 67 70 08, r.braat@portbase.com.

Would you like to read more? Read the full Update or subscribe to receive the next update directly by mail.