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Portbase is the neutral, reliable and especially smart hub for all logistics information in the ports
of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Via Portbase's porttranscending Port Community System, companies
benefit from a multitude of intelligent services for simple and efficient information exchange, both between
companies and between the public and private sector. This enables all the participants to optimise
their logistics processes, thereby improving their own competitive position and that of the ports. Portbase is a
non-profit initiative of the port community, for the port community.
Portbase was created by a merger between Rotterdam's Port infolink (est. 2002) and Amsterdam's
PortNET (est. 2000). The joint organisation was set up in 2009 by the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of
Amsterdam and enjoys wide support amongst the port business community. Portbase?s intention is making the
logistical chains of both ports as attractive as possible through a one-stop-shop. Furthermore, Portbase hopes
to become the national Port Community System within the foreseeable future. It also aspires to taking up a key
position in port-related logistics networks, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Currently, Portbase offers 36 different services for the efficient exchange of information between the public
and private sector and between companies mutually. The services cover all port sectors: containers, general
cargo, dry bulk and wet bulk. All links in the logistical process chain can easily and efficiently exchange
information. Via a service selector on the www.portbase.com website, users can easily select
services tailored to their needs. The most actively used services are currently the customs services and
the re-utilisation of customs data in the exchange of information between companies, such as 'Cargo
information', 'Discharge information' and 'ECS notification'.
Portbase handles around 137,000 messages each day. That makes for about fifty million messages every
year. The 'Cargo declaration import EDI' service saves around 750 metres of paper annually. That equates to
Portbase saving a volume of paper 7.5 kilometres in length.
New services are only developed when there is a clear market need. Via working groups, the business
community is closely involved in the realisation, ensuring that each new service optimally connects with
practice. The introduction of a new service is preceded by practical tests. In 2011, the 'Vessel notification EDI',
'Notification dangerous goods EDI' and 'Notification Safeseanet' services will be introduced.
With the Port Community System, the need for companies to develop and maintain a multitude of
connections themselves is a thing of the past. Portbase allows all information exchange within
the ports to efficiently run via one central point. The services available in the Port Community System offer
advantages both in time and money. Portbase's Port Community System consists of three
components: an application layer with the services, a platform with the common facilities and a central
database where all the information that companies and authorities exchange via Portbase converges.
Each service that is provided by Portbase comprises several service processes.
Those processes describe the desired exchange of messages and interaction between parties. There are
messages to and from systems (system messages) and messages between people (notifications). The
platform ensures that the processes follow the set rules. With the central database, data can be
optimally re-used and companies need submit data only once.
Safety of the Port Community System is a top priority for Portbase. Customer details may never get into
the wrong hands. Based on risk analyses, solid measures have been taken to secure the information.
For further information: www.portbase.com
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