The Port of Antwerp has expanded its data sharing platform NxtPort and made it available for its international customers and partners.
The Port said this has been supported through a joint initiative by Vopak Ventures and it will look to connect parts of the maritime supply chain.
NxtPort currently provides logistics applications and APIs for specific communities within the connected ports. An API (Application Programming Interface) is a toolset that programmers can use to create new software for the platform.
By transparently sharing data and setting up open communities worldwide, international logistics chains can be significantly optimized.
Geert De Wilde, NxtPort International, said, “The collaboration with Vopak Ventures offers NxtPort an unprecedented opportunity to expand its activities at various locations. With this we actively contribute to the digital linking of maritime clusters all over the world in a spirit of openness and cooperation.”
Leo Brand, CIO Vopak, also commented, “As the world market leader in tank storage, we see it as our role to advance positive developments in logistics chains and ports. In doing so, we look beyond the boundaries of our own company, our own customers and our own industry.
“This applies to subjects such as security, but also to digitization. We are convinced that digitization is a critical success factor for the ports of the future and that these digital platforms can only become truly successful if they are set up from an independent role. Open to all logistics parties, including those that compete with each other. “
