PortID: Essential for digitising inland ports

Last month, the trade journal Havenlocaties Nederland 2025 published an article on the digitalisation of inland ports, highlighting the importance of collaboration between inland ports.

The article makes clear that inland ports are facing major challenges, such as growing container flows, increased bulk transport, and the need to combat organised crime.

Starting in 2025, five regions will begin the joint digitalisation of inland ports using PortID — a set of agreements that enables secure and reliable data exchange for all port users. Inland shipping operators, harbourmasters, and businesses will soon be able to handle port matters digitally with ease — from booking berths to settling shore power costs — all via their own apps.

The goal is to create a uniform digital infrastructure for all inland ports, based on the Basic Data Infrastructure (BDI). This will allow for more efficient processes, reduced costs, and better use of logistics capacity. Municipalities and port authorities play a central role in this effort, supported by organisations such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Rijkswaterstaat, and various industry bodies. Standardisation will also make it easier for municipalities to join and to organise tenders more effectively.