Interview: Port of Rotterdam’s Ben van Scherpenzeel Talks Containers, Efficiency, Blockchain and also More
Interview by Paul Gonz ález-Morgan of Marine Strategy—Ben van Scherpenzeel, Director Nautical Developments, Policy & & Plans at the Port of Rotterdam, is enthusiastic concerning constant renovation with a concentrate on ports and also delivery in every facet: maritime, logistical, affordable and also social.
Ben’s previous experience onboard vessels of Shell and also Holland America Line, along with the understanding he has actually obtained of the port considering that 2004, have actually been related to start and also establish several jobs that have actually had a favorable influence on the port’s community and also more afield throughout the delivery sector.
Container throughput at the Port of Rotterdam has actually increased considerably in Q1 2018 to 3.5 million TEU per quarter. What are the factors for this success?
The proceeded development in container throughput is a verification that Rotterdam is taking a progressively crucial placement in the maritime link networks of big delivery firm partnerships. We are seeing a rather extra determined development after the considerable development in 2014, and also this is completely according to our assumptions.
What are the difficulties of Marine Spatial Planning in the context of the Port of Rotterdam?
For website traffic coming close to the Port of Rotterdam, we have actually striven along with our nationwide authorities and also all stakeholders mixed-up to develop adequate area for secure navigating and also wind ranches. In the port flows, we have actually focused on strengthening the river in the direction of the Botlek location.
Overall it’s an obstacle to make use of the existing framework as reliable as feasible by much better preparation– not just of ships however additionally pertaining to upkeep like dredging.
Port telephone call ineffectiveness lead to unneeded hold-ups setting you back billions in shed profits and also carbon dioxide exhausts. How has the Port of Rotterdam optimised vessel phones call to increase performance?
This will certainly be attained by servicing optimum freight aboard by on-line deepness info, readily available since first June 2018. This will certainly indicate thinking about “Just In Time” arrivals by exchange of ship preparation– system to exchange has actually ended up being life:Pronto Fundamental for both information exchanges is to have criteria that benefit delivery port to port worldwide, so celebrations do not construct in unneeded safety and security margins as they completely recognize and also rely on the info supplied.
Please speak with us concerning the relevance of info exchange in between all celebrations in the logistics chain:
The separation time is the keystone to port logistics. Most separation time determine the arrival time of one more vessel, which arrival time is crucial for intending sources for maritime solutions (pilots, pulls, electrician), freight solutions and also vessel solutions (shelters, waste, and so on).
However, separation time depends upon numerous celebrations: most importantly incurable procedures, however absolutely additionally shelter procedures or any type of various other vital solution a vessel requires to finish prior to separation, e.g. shipment of medications.
What are the 3 crucial elements that specify performance at a port terminal?
Swift exchange of vessels, manufacturing per hr, and also staying clear of still time when industrial procedures have actually completed.
Severe climate condition can influence port procedures. How do you reduce the down-time at the terminal? CoastTen sion is readily available in Rotterdam, enabling ships to continue to be together with securely under negative climate condition.
Is Blockchain a service to enhance port performance?
Last year the Municipality of Rotterdam and also the Port of Rotterdam Authority collectively began BlockLab: an area laboratory forBlockchain Blockchain innovation supplies significant possibility to alter the means we handle supply chains. Its primary payments will certainly be enhanced conformity and also openness, much better monitoring of orders and also properties, and also discover extra efficient methods of dealing with depend on concerns.
High- influence is consequently to be anticipated within the domain names of supply chain financing and also cross chain partnerships– particularly when chains are decentralised and also entail many stakeholders and also purchases. BlockLab places Blockchain innovation right into method. The Lab creates making use of instances with partnerships of designers, designers, system gamers and also finish individuals.
Is the port completely lined up with the needs of the sea supply chain?
We’re interacting with GS1 to link to the supply chain criteria, enabling much better source preparation in storage facilities and also manufacturing facilities.
How is the enhancing dimension of ships forming your prepare for the port?
Ten years ago we currently developed the Maasvlakte for the ships we have today. We currently used even more and also more powerful bollards, based upon the brand-new IACS standards which will certainly participate in pressure this year.
In your sight, just how do you see Brexit impacting the Port of Rotterdam in regards to ability?
We all concur that Brexit will certainly have its difficulties nonetheless, the Port of Rotterdam is treating this issue as a leading concern and also is completely dedicated in talking with all stakeholders (Dutch Government, Customs Authorities, neighborhood organizations, and so on) with a concentrate on backup strategies to guarantee that the shift will certainly go as reliable as feasible.
What future strategies do you have for the port?
The Dutch port framework has actually been chosen finest port framework worldwide by the World Economic Forum for the 6th successive time. A great framework is vital for a port’s development and also advancement. Billions have actually been and also will certainly be bought the development of the intermodal network, the building of Maasvlakte 2, quays, advanced terminals and also ICT systems and also the Offshore Center Rotterdam among others. But alongside the physical framework, the electronic framework is of significant relevance. By developing openness throughout the chain and also by sharing information, we can additionally enhance the performance and also integrity of the logistics chain.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority spends 150 to 200 million euros each year in its port framework. Important financial investments for the coming year consist of the advancement of the Hartel Tank Terminal and also the adjustments to the port train by means of Thamesweg, getting rid of the clash in between transportation by rail and also ocean-going vessels.
Find extra Marine Strategy meetings below.
Copyright (c) Marine Strategy