Impact of Covid-19 and continuity of service

The Dutch ports are now facing the start of the fifth week since the coronavirus measures issued by the Dutch government went into effect. The extension of the current measures means we will all need to cooperate remotely for an additional period and ensure that continuity of our service is maintained.

In recent weeks, the Port Community System has maintained operational stability and Portbase has been in contact with many different stakeholders to gain their perspectives on scheduled releases and upcoming implementations. Portbase intends to share the results of these talks and how they will affect players in the logistical chain in the near future. In the meantime, one reassuring sign is that the vast majority of organisations contacted by Portbase see no reason to drastically alter the planned dates for release and implementation. Last week, and following consultation with the clients involved, Portbase therefore launched the pilot phase of Cargo Tracker, a new service that offers insight into Track & Trace information.

Portbase is exploring available capacity and the feasibility of scheduled timelines within its own organisation as well. Depending on further measures, only certain specific timelines are expected to encounter delay. Parties will, for instance, be moving ahead with the implementation of IAMconnected, a new login method. After consulting various sector organisations, however, it has been decided that the roll-out will occur between now and the summer in order to give clients time to prepare. A complete overview of all projects and the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided soon.

In the coming period, Portbase will continue to dedicate itself to ensuring stability so that the digital infrastructure of the Dutch ports can continue to function as smoothly as possible. Portbase, along with its Service Desk and staff, naturally remain available to clients by phone and e-mail.