Accurate Berth Data for Safer, Smarter Port Calls
When a vessel approaches Rotterdam, every meter matters. The Port of Rotterdam Authority has taken a step that could reshape how ships plan their calls: linking unique location identifiers with digital nautical charts. In partnership with the Royal Netherlands Navy Hydrographic Service, the port has introduced standardized Global Location Numbers (GLNs) for terminals and berths, bringing clarity where confusion once reigned.
Previously, berth and terminal locations were tied to names. A change of ownership often meant a change of name—causing delays and misunderstandings. Now, each berth and terminal has a fixed, globally recognized number. That number is fed into Rotterdam’s Harbour Master Management System (HaMIS) and the Port Community System (PCS) Portbase, creating a single reliable source. Updates are pushed out twice a day, ensuring captains, shippers, and service providers work with the latest information.
From Hydrographic Charts to the Bridge
For seafarers, accurate location data is more than convenience—it’s safety. Captains rely on Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) displayed in their ECDIS systems to plan voyages. ENCs can only be published by national hydrographic services. If berth data is uncertain, it usually doesn’t make it onto the chart. By providing verified, standardized data, Rotterdam has ensured that terminals and berths appear in ENCs with confidence.
“This is the first time a port authority anywhere has achieved this,” said a spokesperson involved in the collaboration. The Hydrographic Service now receives directly validated data, ensuring navigators see what the Harbour Master sees. The result? Less ambiguity when plotting courses and more certainty at the helm.
A Single Point of Truth for Shippers
Shippers, too, face high stakes when it comes to location data. Contract clauses often require them to prove their vessels are calling at “safe ports and safe berths.” In the past, gathering the right coordinates meant combing through multiple databases. Now, with Rotterdam’s integration, there is a single point of truth.
Through an API connection, shippers can plug their systems directly into Portbase. Real-time updates allow ships to be matched with berths automatically. This saves time and reduces the risk of error—critical in an industry where mistakes can mean lost cargo or costly delays.
Pilots, Linesmen, and Shared Standards
It’s not only captains and shippers who benefit. Pilots guiding ships into port now consult the same data as those on the bridge. With standardized information, there’s less room for interpretation and more room for precision.
Linesmen—those responsible for mooring operations—can use the data to plan the mooring configuration in advance. Knowing exactly where a vessel will sit at the quay means fewer surprises and smoother operations on arrival.
What Comes Next
Rotterdam isn’t stopping with location data. The Port Authority plans to add depth and restriction information to the same standardized platform. Combined, the three datasets—location, depth, and restrictions—will allow ship operators to assess whether their vessels are suitable for Rotterdam in nearly all cases.
The Authority is also calling on other ports worldwide to share their own location data with their national hydrographic services in a similar way. The model is scalable and designed to be applied globally. After all, if Rotterdam can connect the dots, why shouldn’t others?
