At the request of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Nextlogic, Portbase will give priority to the implementation of Nextlogic’s integral planning in the coming months. As a result, the order of completing parts of the hinterland programme Data Fuel will be adjusted. For this reason, hinterland carriers can continue to use the Portbase service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Road, Rail and Barge free of charge until 1 July 2022.
Teaming up for hinterland efficiency
Portbase will be working together with hinterland carriers, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and other stakeholders to improve solutions and innovations in the years ahead. Our aim is to further optimise container transport by road, water and rail. All efforts converge in the programme Data Fuel of which the Portbase service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) is the core. In recent months, Portbase has informed hinterland carrier about the current and future solutions of this programme and the decision to charge hinterland carriers for the operational costs of HCN as of 1 January 2022.
Inland shipping vital link for success
Nextlogic’s integrated planning is to ensure chain optimisation for inland container shipping in the port of Rotterdam. This innovation is a vital part of Data Fuel for inland waterway transport.
After a successful pilot project between Nextlogic, Portbase, a number of terminals and barge operators, the market requires accelerated scaling up. However, experience shows that the market implementation and acceptance of integrated planning is complex. In addition to realising technical links between the systems of different parties and testing their operation, this will involve the proper introduction and control of this new way of working for all parties involved.
Changed priorities
Nextlogic has entered a critical phase for its successful go-live. Its implementation takes a long time, to function adequately a sufficient number of participants is required, and participating companies are now dealing with two different working methods. Last week, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Nextlogic submitted a request to Portbase, asking us to provide all support and attention in the coming months for the joint purpose of the introduction and roll-out of Nextlogic’s integrated planning. In view of the importance and value to inland waterway transport and the port-wide hinterland product, Portbase has complied with this request.
Effects for hinterland carriers
This decision has consequences for hinterland carriers. Specifically:
- Priority for implementation of Nextlogic integral planning
Portbase is changing the order within the Data Fuel programme. Support for Nextlogic’s integral planning will be given priority over the next few months. This is to be followed by the other new functions of the Data Fuel program. - Until 1 July 2022 there will be no charge for hinterland carriers to use the HCN service
In order to be able to prioritise the go-live of Nextlogic, it has been decided to postpone payments for HCN until such time as Portbase can once again focus on the full roll-out of Data Fuel. Portbase sees the great importance of this programme, but we value full attention and focus in order to be able to meet the expectations of our hinterland community. The Port of Rotterdam Authority has promised that they will pay the costs for 6 months. This means that hinterland carriers can continue to use the HCN service free of charge until 1 July 2022. - HCN clients will receive an invoice as from 1 January 2022
Hinterland carriers will receive a monthly invoice from January next, but they will be given ‘introductory discounts’ until 1 July 2022, which means that there will be no charge until that date. From 1 July 2022 these costs will be charged again in accordance with the quotation.
In the coming months, Portbase, will work on Data Fuel with a different order and launch the corresponding campaign as planned. We realize that this last minute change comes as a surprise and may lead to a difficult position for some clients. However, we would like to stress that, despite the change in priorities, the basic principles of Data Fuel remain firmly in place and we will continue our work. We are convinced that this is the best choice for the total hinterland product.
More information
Any questions about the introduction of integral planning Nextlogic or the postponement of payment for Portbase service HCN? Please, contact us. You can reach us on 088 – 625 25 34 or sales@portbase.com.
Kind regards,
Iwan van der Wolf
Managing Director Portbase
