North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp support digitisation of inland navigation with Flemish subsidies

North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp support digitisation of inland navigation with Flemish subsidies

Push barge trackers increase safety and efficiency

The Flemish government, North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp want to encourage push barge operators to invest in push barge trackers. They are doing so by reimbursing part of the cost. 

Push barge owners or companies can apply for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of €200 euros, if they can demonstrate that they have called at North Sea Port or the Port of Antwerp at least three times in the three years prior to making the application. The purchase and installation of the push barge tracker must also have taken place between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020.

Solar or battery powered GPS tracker

The inland shipping sector is a sustainable mode of transport for cargo. Thanks to AIS (Automatic Identification System), pusher boats and inland navigation vessels are easily traceable in the port and on waterways. However, push barges often do not have their own power supplies and therefore no AIS to locate them. Thanks to the introduction of battery or solar-powered GPS trackers, port authorities, owners, operators and shipping companies will in future always know where each push barge or push barge convoy is located.

Optimisation of lock planning for inland navigation

If North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp have digital data at their disposal, they can also share them. At the moment, the composition of the convoys as notified to the port authorities is not always up to date. As a result, you lose valuable time at the locks. The trackers only provide accurate information. This contributes to more reliable lock planning.

Transparency increases safety and efficiency

Moreover, as an operator or owner, you are aware of the location of the push barge at all times and do not have to request it manually each time. That saves time and manpower. The digital history is also important for compliance with rental contracts and can serve as evidence if you receive a claim from an insurance company.

The mandatory introduction of digital notification also means that various push barge operators will soon benefit from having trackers. Tracking also improves safety in the ports, because the port authorities always know which barge or convoy is where. This allows them to intervene more quickly in the event of problems.

The push barge trackers are not yet mandatory, but North Sea Port and the Port of Antwerp are nevertheless encouraging push barge operators to invest, particularly with a view to mandatory digitisation. The Flemish Government is therefore prepared to provide financial support.

Together. Smarter.

Applications for reimbursement can be submitted to:

This initiative is a collaboration between North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp with the support of the Flemish Government’s Department of Mobility and Public Works.

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to [email protected]

Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Havenhuis
Zaha Hadidplein 1
2030 Antwerp
Belgium