At the beginning of April this year, the Port of Rotterdam – the largest European seaport – launched the “OnTrack” system, designed to monitor freight trains entering and leaving the Dutch port. The application was developed and tested as part of the “HaRold” project, in cooperation with various market entities. The system has been implemented in almost all terminals of the Port of Rotterdam by rail operators cooperating with it and delivering cargo.
The system itself provides rail operators with real-time insight into information about train traffic within the port and their notification at the terminal. The system informs about the number of transshipped containers (or wagons) and the completion time of loading and unloading operations. Thanks to this, it is possible to monitor deviations from planned time slots for individual train sets. Such a solution eliminates the need to check data on the status of transshipment operations on websites or obtain information by phone. Currently, most terminals have their own transport planning systems and their own standards for rail traffic, and information exchange usually takes place via phone and email.
The use of the “OnTrack” system integrates data from various entities participating in supply chains related to rail freight transport, and then supplements them with intelligent algorithms regarding processes. In the system, the terminal obtains data on planned and actual train departure times arriving at the Port of Rotterdam. Thanks to communication, all partners can better react to deviations from planned operation times, which allows for the optimization of personnel work and better utilization of terminal transshipment capacities. According to the port’s announcements, the “OnTrack” application will also be available to railway companies and terminals within the country.
A guide titled “Step by step towards a digital port”, intended for port authorities preparing for digital transformation, is also available on the Port of Rotterdam website.
Sources: www.portofrotterdam.com and www.mylogistics.net