Digitisation

Digitisation is essential to making our ports future-proof in a modern world. Digitising processes makes visits to any of the three ports more efficient for ships, which in turn makes them more attractive for entrepreneurs.

Digitising Port Charges

Starting in 2021, everything—from registering data to collecting and remitting port charges to the municipality—will be done digitally. All charges will be consolidated into one invoice, regardless of which port the shipmaster enters.

• The digitisation of port charges will allow ships to register their visit to one of the three ports via an app. Shipmasters can digitally register and immediately pay port charges online.
• This digital solution enhances security in the ports; camera surveillance will monitor port traffic.
• Digitisation also improves quay management: better coordination of ship arrival times and berth durations. Shipmasters will know when there is space to load and unload, and the next skipper will know when and where to berth, allowing them to adjust their arrival and sailing speed accordingly. This reduces waiting times for ships, improving efficiency and helping to moderate energy consumption, which ultimately benefits sustainability.

Seaport Status

In the future, digitisation will play a major role in establishing a customs facility and collecting necessary information. Once the lock at Kornwerderzand has been widened and deepened, Port of Zwolle will acquire seaport status. This will bring additional responsibilities. For example, when a ship arrives from foreign waters, its port of departure, any ports it has called at, and the people and goods on board will need to be verified.