Port Community System
The port of Rotterdam is a place where hundreds of parties come together and work together to get freight from A to B. In Rotterdam, coordination and information exchange are efficiently managed through Portbase’s digital Port Community System (PCS). This contributes to sustainable, efficient and safe freight flows.
Smart information platform for port logistics
Portbase offers various services for the core processes and links in the supply chain through the Port Community System. Everything comes together in one place. Companies from various sectors benefit from solutions for different types of cargo, mainly containers, but also breakbulk, dry bulk and liquid bulk. This delivers greater efficiency, lower scheduling costs, improved and transparent planning, faster transhipment and fewer errors.
From agents and freight forwarders to port authorities
Tens of thousands of people use the Port Community System every day. All links in the supply chain can easily and efficiently exchange information through Portbase’s services. The Port Community System offers every target group a tailored package. The Service Selector provides an overview of the services relevant to each logistics role. This includes, for example, providing the necessary import or export documents or submitting vessel notifications for one of the Dutch ports.
Pre-notification required for container terminals on Maasvlakte II
The container terminals of RWG, ECT and APM Terminals MVII on Maasvlakte II require carriers, freight forwarders and shippers to pre-notify container visits electronically. The Secure Chain has asked Portbase to make the process of releasing and collecting import containers in the port of Rotterdam more secure and dependable. An additional authorisation layer has therefore been added to the Portbase services. For the carriers, this layer has been implemented in the Hinterland Container Notification service. Cargo Controller provides all necessary information for freight forwarders and shippers to manage their import flows safely and reliably.
Costs of using the Port Community System
Portbase is a non-profit organisation. Companies therefore pay only a contribution for the use of services, proportionate to the benefits they provide. This keeps the costs relatively low. For some services, no contribution is required. The funding of services that are primarily of strategic importance to the port is provided by the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Port of Amsterdam Authority, as shareholders.