The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched a pilot with the KING application as there are 31 buoys and dolphins that are intensively utilized for transhipment, repair, bunkering, and waiting.
Shipping agents can book these berths 24/7 via the KING application, but demand currently exceeds supply. There is no space to expand physical infrastructure, so smart solutions are being pursued.
This expansion of the existing system enables digital booking of commercial berths, such as quays operated by market parties.
Commercial operators such as HBTM and ECT can make their berths available via the KING platform. They retain control over:
- Availability of their berths
- Which vessels, activities, and duration of stay they wish to accommodate
- Commercial conditions, including applicable rates
This approach delivers greater flexibility, optimizes existing infrastructure use, and provides a more transparent offering for shipping agents.
With KING, agents can identify available berths more quickly even beyond traditional buoys and dolphins. This results in shorter waiting times, reduced emissions, and more sustainable port operations.
The pilot began in October 2024 with two berths at HES Bulk Terminal Maasdelta (HBTM) and two berths on the DBF quay at ECT. Initial market feedback has been positive: users value the transparency and ease of use, while terminals benefit from improved quay occupancy and higher occupancy rates.
Following a successful pilot, three new parties are now being connected to KING. Several others are queued to join in subsequent phases.
By the end of 2025, approximately ten additional commercial berths are expected to be bookable via KING.
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