Priorities
Digitalization & Data sharing
The maritime logistics sector is facing the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. Digitalization of the sector is more and more enabling the use of automation. Important investments in ICT infrastructure are mobilized by all actors of the logistics chain.
FEPORT favours the development of a digital economy strategy that would further unleash the potential of digitalization and automation.
The use of automation by different industries of the maritime logistics chain requires a holistic debate between a wide range of stakeholders, such as governments, employers, individuals, educational institutions and labour unions to make reskilling real and prepare for accelerated structural change of the labour market.
Good governance rules in terms of B2G data sharing and use of open standards
Electronic exchange of Business to Government (B2G) information has the potential to increase the efficiency of supply chains.
A clear framework on data sharing for B2G information throughout Europe is needed to increase industry buy-in by ensuring a B2G environment built on open standards and costs reductions for digital communication.
Need for a Framework on Data Ownership
One of the main barriers to further cooperation on digital innovation is a lack of a clear framework on data ownership. This leads to companies being hesitant to share non-personal information as they are unsure about their rights regarding how their data is used or their obligations regarding data sharing.
Business to Business (B2B) communication is constantly evolving to take into consideration market needs. These evolutions require significant financing and manpower. The European institutions need to ensure that most system developments are aimed at improving efficiency and not at complying with regulatory requirements with unclear added value.
Vessel Call Optimization
The increasing strain placed on terminals to manage peaks, requires continuous investment in systems to optimize port calls. The European institutions should assist industry initiatives in this regard.
To further facilitate port call optimization, it is also crucial to agree on a framework/convention between the concerned parties that ensures timely delivery of information by ships to ports and terminals in order to enable an efficient slot allocation and yard management.
TIC 4.0
Terminal Industry Committee (TIC) 4.0 has been officially created in 2019. The TIC 4.0 initiative has been endorsed by FEPORT as well as Port Equipment Manufacturers Association PEMA. Many FEPORT and PEMA members have joined TIC 4.0.
The mission of TIC 4.0 is to elaborate, define, adopt and promote standards that will enable the cargo handling industry to embrace the 4th industrial revolution. This work is carried out by representative companies from both the Terminal Operators and Port Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers industries.