Nextlogic concludes pilot phase and becomes a market-ready service

The integral planning for the handling of container inland shipping in the Port of Rotterdam has been officially launched. After an intensive pilot phase, the inland shipping companies, the terminals, and the Port of Rotterdam have given the green light for Nextlogic. Nextlogic enables faster processing of inland vessels in the port and helps terminals optimally utilize their berthing facilities.

(Rotterdam) As part of the integral planning, the operators of the inland vessels provide Nextlogic in advance with information about the visits, the cycles, and the cargo of each individual inland vessel. The terminals report their available berthing capacities. Nextlogic cross-references this information and creates the best possible schedule for each participant. The planning is automatically optimized around the clock.

Approximately 60 percent of the total handling of inland vessels in the Port of Rotterdam is already being integrally planned via Nextlogic. Currently, four deep-sea terminals and fifteen barge operators are participating. A fifth terminal, the first empty depots, and other inland ship operators are preparing to implement Nextlogic as well.

Sijbrand Pot, Interim Director of Nextlogic: “I am pleased that inland shipping operators, terminals, and Nextlogic have successfully made integral planning a regulated service together. This is an important milestone in this comprehensive innovation project for the entire port. Our ultimate goal is to create a more transparent, efficient port together with our participants, from which everyone benefits.”

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam: “Nextlogic’s integral planning for container inland shipping is a perfect example of innovative digital collaboration in the chain. Through this collaboration, we can create a better balance between the seaward side and the hinterland and build a more balanced logistics system. It makes the Port of Rotterdam smarter, more sustainable, and thus more attractive to customers.”

Maira van Helvoirt, Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland (KBN): “Nextlogic is an important connecting element in the port and inland shipping community; together we are working to improve the handling. After more than 40 years of bilateral agreements with terminals and depots, this marks the beginning of a whole new way of collaboration for operators and shipmasters.”

Thijs van den Heuvel, board member of VITO, the association of Dutch inland terminal operators: “For VITO, integral planning is the way to optimal productivity for everyone in the Port of Rotterdam. The more parties join in the near future, the better everyone can benefit from it.”

Rob Bagchus, chairman of VRTO, the association of Rotterdam terminal operators, on behalf of the affiliated terminals: “About 40 percent of the hinterland transport of the Rotterdam container terminals is done by inland vessel. Integral planning helps both inland shipping and the terminals to optimally utilize the available capacities for the efficient handling of inland shipping.”

Vince Tunzi, chairman of HCRA, the umbrella organization for depots and container repair companies: “The introduction of Nextlogic is an exciting new development for our members. Currently, the first depot is preparing for the connection. Given what we hear and see in the market, we expect a lot of benefits from integral planning.”

Photo: © Danny Cornelissen