COVID-19 has stopped many cruise ships, with the situation changing on a daily basis. For this reason, shipping companies should to be able to easily check at any time which ports are open and what measures, if any, apply there.

In addition, it is important for ports to update changes in COVID measures quickly. The Port SEE app meets this need and is a new platform for the river cruise sector in Europe. The app includes up-to-date data on the accessibility of berths in ports for river cruise ships and which COVID measures apply there. The system is intended for shipping companies, ports, tour operators, cities and city marketing.

Dutch Delta Cruise Port, Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cruise Port and the international tourist platform MUST SEE have collaborated to support and strengthen the river cruise sector. The app PORT SEE makes it easier for shipping companies and tour operators to quickly find information per port.

We see across Europe that the rules in ports for the river cruise are different everywhere, even within a country. It is impossible for shipping companies and tour operators to keep track of all the websites of the various port cities. That's why, together with Cruise ports in the south and west of the Netherlands, we have had the Port SEE system developed

states Monic van der Heyden, commercial manager cruise at Port of Amsterdam.

The cruise ports in Europe can add their own data to the app. Users can then create a login after which all data of the relevant port will be at their disposal.

Accessibility cities

A port may be open to river cruise ships, but if the city or area itself is largely locked it is not an attractive landing place. Through cooperation with MUST SEE all river cruise cities are mapped for accessibility.

Later this year, the follow-up version of the system will be launched that contains the crowd control function.

You will then be able to see in real time where, for example, cities are going to be too busy because of tourism. Shipping companies could choose to skip a city or visit this area at another time

concludes Maikel Coomans of MUST SEE.