It will soon be easier to report sea-going vessels in Rotterdam and Amsterdam to the Harbour Master and Customs. As of 1 February 2016, the ports will switch to Vessel Notification 2.0. This fully modernised service is part of Portbase’s Port Community System and it lays the digital basis for handling traffic flows even more efficiently and safely.
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Vessel Notification 2.0 will be introduced in stages to over 200 agents, shipping companies and ship agents with almost 1400 users. In total, they make notifications for between 35,000 and 40,000 sea-going vessels a year in the two ports.
The service Vessel Notification 2.0 was developed in close collaboration with the Harbour Masters of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Customs and the notifying agents, shipping companies and ship agents. As a result, the modernised service dovetails perfectly with everyday practice. Reporting sea-going vessels becomes easier and there is less chance of mistakes. A new feature is that the two port authorities will also ask the ship agents to report the shifting and departure times electronically. In response to statutory requirements, the notification of security information (ISPS) has also been extended.
Marleen van de Kerkhof, Harbour Master of Amsterdam: “The availability and reliability of information are becoming increasingly important. By enabling agents to make notifications completely electronically, we can ensure that everyone in the nautical chain always has the correct data.”
René de Vries, Harbour Master of Rotterdam: “If parties operating in the port receive complete information and on time, they can plan their work better. This leads to a safer and more efficient port.”
Remaining Dutch ports to follow at a later stage
The transfer of all companies to Vessel Notification 2.0 will start on 1 February 2016 and continue until 1 May 2016. Prior to the switch, all users will be asked to take brief, online training. In this way, they will be able to start using the modernised service straight away, without any problems. At a later stage, Vessel Notification 2.0 will also be rolled out to the remaining Dutch ports.
Source: www.portbase.com