The Port of Rotterdam Authority will trial a digital service providing application-based advice on public berths for inland shipping, enabling those that will use the system to digitally plan their route for inland navigation.
Specifically, those using the RiverGuide will receive a push message being asked whether they need a berth, making their inland navigation easier.
Usually, inland vessels either need berth because they call the port of Rotterdam and have to wait, berthed, to enter the port, or they have to wait for a new cargo, also in need of berthing. A berth may also be necessary because a skipper is obliged to take a break due to the law covering sailing hours.
Therefore, the goal of the trial will be used to provide correct advice on berths, and also help the skipper use the advice coming from the newly-tested system.
Also, the trial will be conducted until the end of January 2020, including 500 port calls.
If the trial proofs successful, the system could become a permanent feature within RiverGuide and other route planners
… the port commented.
Overall, the port is equipped with about 150 locations having a capacity of 500 vessels. Therefore, the RiverGuide application will provide a smooth, safe and smart application.
Port of Rotterdam is aiming towards better digitalization through a variety of projects, such as the Boxinsider application which monitors and trucks cargoes throughout their whole journey so that stakeholders will be able to locate their containers at any given time. Similarly, the port has also launched another application, Pronto, which aims to reduce ships’ waiting time by an average of 20%.
