Port digitalisation drive

The Netherlands-based digital solutions provider for predictable and sustainable shipping has agreed a five-year partnership with the Greater Houston Port Bureau for the adoption and further development of its PortXchange system, a collaborative vessel and terminal planning platform.

Sjoerd de Jager, PortXchange’s managing director, said: “This five-year engagement is a result of the perseverance and commitment of a large group of like-minded participants keen to decrease port turnaround time and increase efficiency of port calls. Foremost is the Port Bureau, which embraced the idea that digitalization and scheduling transparency is the future of any port and we look forward to extending our collaboration in the Houston port community.”

Partnership

The agreement between PortXchange and the Port Bureau comes after a 12-month trial period. In June 2020, when PortXchange and the Port Bureau announced the first US trial in Houston with more than 20 maritime companies involved in the Texas integrated chemical cluster.

This trial was subsequently expanded to include the Port of Houston Authority (Port Houston), which has two terminals dedicated to the handling of cargo containers.

PortXchange will fully integrate the Port Bureau’s current HarborLights Vessel Tracking System into PortXchange’s platform, providing real-time vessel scheduling information sourced directly from the Houston Pilots. PortXchange will also continue to build several features with bespoke functionality to fit the specific needs of the Houston port community, maintain the digital infrastructure, onboard new users and facilitate APIs. Most of these new products and services will be provided through the Port Bureau.

The Port Bureau is a non-profit trade organisation dedicated to promoting commerce and cooperation in the maritime industry. It operates the Maritime Exchange of Texas maintaining critical vessel movement data for the deep draft ports of Texas.