On 8 August, the Port of Rotterdam Authority launched its new company PortXchange Products BV (PortXchange), aiming to offer the Pronto platform and application to ports around the world over the next few years.
The launch of PortXchange provides a platform to create new strategic partnerships with ports, shipping companies and terminals, geared towards implementing smart digital solutions in ports worldwide.
This aligns with the ambition of Port of Rotterdam to become the world’s smartest port.
Namely, PortXchange aims to improve the efficiency of port calls and help operators to reduce their emissions – both in the port as well as between ports.
For instance, the company provides Pronto, a joint platform that can be used by shipping companies, agents, terminals, port authorities and other (nautical) service providers, which enables them to optimally plan, execute and monitor all activities during a port call based on the exchange of standardised data.
In addition, Pronto enables just-in-time sailing, which helps reduce carbon emissions.
The first PortXchange partnerships have already been signed – with Shell and A.P. Moller – Maersk.
We are moving towards a global, end-to-end digitally connected operating environment for shipping, as in the airline industry. For example, at Shell, our onshore digital centre is able to analyse 500 data points a second in real time from each ship we manage. In partnering on Pronto, we can see opportunities to extend this work to optimising port operations. The results of our trials so far have already shown the great benefits in increased efficiency, reduced fuel and operating costs, and lower emissions,
…explained Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shell Shipping & Maritime.
We see a significant need and opportunity to improve the collaboration, communication, and single data usage amongst port participants for optimized sailing and port calls for vessels. The aim of the Pronto platform, to enable just in time arrival and optimize the port stay of our vessels, not only enables us to increase schedule reliability to the benefit of our customers but also to achieve our goal of reducing our CO2 emissions,
…Kent Stig Hagbarth – Head of Operations Execution at A.P. Moller-Maersk.
