The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched an online tool for deep-sea and short-sea schedules called ‘Navigate’ in its beta version.
The tool shows connections to 550 ports worldwide, as well as rail and barge connections between Rotterdam and more than 150 European inland terminals.
Emile Hoogsteden, Director Containers, Breakbulk & Logistics of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “This makes Navigate the most comprehensive route planner of its kind, enabling users to find an efficient route from A to B via Rotterdam in just a few mouse clicks.
“Navigate has been developed especially for companies seeking smarter ways to plan their container transports.”
Based on the chosen point of departure and the desired destination, the route planner presents various options and for each route it provides an overview of the available connections to the hinterland destination by sea and by rail or barge.
Users can then select the option that suits them best, based on modality and expected transit time. And in just one mouse click they can also get in touch with the relevant companies – for instance to request a quote.
Hoogsteden added: “It also contains a business directory of more than 1,500 companies operating in and around the port of Rotterdam.
“The central access window makes it easy for users to search, compare and contact those companies – from shippers to cold stores.”
Navigate also has an empty depot tool, showing per inland terminal for which shipping companies empty containers can be collected or dropped off.
This reduces unnecessary and costly transport of empty containers.
With its multiple functionalities Navigate brings more transparency to the supply chain.
The Port Authority’s next step will be to provide more insight into the carbon footprint of container transport.
Navigate will also contain real-time data on the Estimated Times of Arrival and Departure (ETA and ETD) of sea-going vessels.
The development of Navigate fits in with the objective of the Port of Rotterdam Authority to improve the port’s competitive position through digitisation.
Hoogsteden concluded: “Our ambition is to keep adding more operational data, so that Navigate will become an increasingly valuable tool to improve efficiency in the supply chain.”
