Antwerp Port Authority, FPICM to acquire NxtPort stake

Antwerp Port Authority and Federal Participation & Investment Company announced that they will jointly acquire a stake in NxtPort, the digital data platform for the port community. The contribution by the partners will amount to 5.25m euros.

In the context of a port there are thousands of processes that run in the same time: goods must be transferred swiftly from barge to quay, from quay to truck, or from ship to another seagoing ship.

Everyone involved in this process has relevant data but for too long this data has been inadequately shared, resulting in delays and other inefficiencies, Antwerp Port Authority mentions.

    “With NxtPort we aim to make this data transparent for all players in the supply chain. In this way we along with the other port players can develop the port of the future, where digitisation opens the way to smart, cost-efficient logistics. We’re currently working on various practical applications for improving the Customs processes. In addition we’re looking at how we along with the forwarders, ship’s agents and shippers can make more effective use of the available capacity on the terminals, by giving the various players a better view of the route that the goods will follow on their way to the hinterland. In the meantime, improved handling of container barges is also on the list of projects in the short term,” stated Daniel Lievens, CEO of NxtPort.

NxtPort is a crucial partner for the Port Authority in further developing the port into a model of data-driven innovation. Furthermore, this partnership will enable the Port Authority to have a say in the development of digital applications for the general interest.

    “As a Port Authority we already have open, public data that can serve as input for the platform, so as to facilitate a smooth flow of the data. This should enable us to build a powerful digital ecosystem that will benefit the entire port community. Efficient logistics processes will also lead to more efficient use being made of the limited amount of space in the port. The demand for smooth handling and the constantly increasing freight volumes can only be satisfied through a combination of having enough space available and offering efficient logistics processes. So naturally we are tackling both of these aspects together,” Jacques Vandermeiren concluded.

Earlier this week, Antwerp Port Authority announced that is paying 44 million euros in order to acquire the Nationale Maatschappij der Pijpleidingen (NMP) from its current shareholders Ackermans & van Haaren and Electrabel.

With the completion of the takeover Antwerp Port Authority will gain ownership and control of 720 km of pipelines, 90% of which serve the chemical and petrochemical companies in the port of Antwerp and its hinterland.