HCN Barge expanded with cut-off for unloading/loading list

Each unloading/loading list submitted by a barge operator will soon receive an automatic cut-off moment in the service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Barge. Following this, the status of this unloading/loading list is final and it is no longer possible to make any changes. Based on the containers that are correctly pre-notified (‘green’) at that time, the terminal is able to properly anticipate the call of the inland vessel. The introduction of the cut-off also constitutes the next step towards the go-live of the integrated planning by Nextlogic. By means of the final unloading/loading lists, they can further optimise these plannings.

The cut-off in HCN Barge will first be introduced as a pilot from the 3rd of November for all barge calls to RWG. The other deepsea terminals will follow. You will receive a separate notification should this result in any changes to their operational approach. Each terminal independently determines the cut-off moment that it wants to use in HCN Barge. These times may vary for loading empty, loading full, unloading empty and unloading full. For barges with a mixed cargo, the longest cut-off time serves as the determining factor in this respect.

Only ‘green’ containers on the unloading/loading list

After the cut-off in HCN Barge, ‘red’ containers are automatically removed (as usual). The result is a clean unloading/loading list with only ‘green’ containers. At this point, it is no longer possible to add or remove containers. However, the status of ‘green’ containers on a final unloading/loading list may still change to ‘red’, for example if a customs inspection is announced after a cargo cut-off.

Still reopen after cut-off?

If changes still need to be made to a final unloading/loading list for a barge operator, this can only be done by contacting the terminal directly. The terminal operator can then reopen the unloading/ loading list in HCN Barge. After this, the barge operator makes the changes and needs to close the unloading/loading list in HCN Barge.

Minimum call size

In HCN Barge, each terminal can specify a minimum call size per quay. If an unloading/loading list does not contain enough ‘green’ containers at the cut-off moment, it will remain open. HCN Barge continuously checks whether the minimum requirement is met. As soon as this is the case, the unloading/loading list is closed and passed on to the terminal operator.

More information

Do you have any questions? Ron Martens of Portbase is happy to tell you more. You can reach him via r.martens@portbase.com or +31 (0) 6 – 512 677 64.