A coalition of 19 port authorities will explore the potential of Routescanner technology to act as a neutral and transparent platform to examine container transport options and to further improve sustainable and cost-efficient global supply chains.
The ports have signed a declaration on their collective response to disruption, digitalisation and decarbonisation at the 6th Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR), according to the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The signatories include major ports from across the world, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach in North America, Antwerp and Rotterdam in Europe and Klang and Abu Dhabi in Asia, in addition to the MPA.
“Having noted that container shipping remains the world’s most sustainable means of transportation for global trade and the expected rise in container transport, ports have acknowledged the need for the establishment of a global and neutral platform, allowing multi modal comparison of container routes,” the declaration read.
MPA’s Chief Executive Quah Ley Hoon said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of digitalisation and ports have adapted to quickly harness technology for contactless operations.
“The plight of seafarers amidst tightened border restrictions also has implications on global trade and their health and safety.
“The PAR is an important platform for port authorities to come together to leverage each other’s experience and expertise to tackle these challenges. Today’s declaration is an important step forward to push forth with digitalisation and decarbonisation solutions in the face of disruption.”
