PortExpertise

Strategic exercise with FEMOZA (organisation special & free economic zones) on funding of strategic projects.
Various funding programs, investment funds, financing techniques.(o/r 21STRA01- 2021).
Orka houses Iceland’s first of thermal water power plants re. electricity and energy production.

A detailed first infrastructure analysis of port of Yanbu expansion on dry port storage facilities. Activities performed included, infrastructure volume scenario, connection to/from hinterland area analysis, integration into international supply chains analysis on-site client workshop on-site.

PortExpertise performed transport Maritime and port administrations capacity building activities into the contract of International Maritime Safety Security And Environment Academy (IPCOEA) lead by Circle. The topic concerned the improvement of port customs and operation efficiency in Africa. All session were web-streamed.(2019-2021). The countries involved were Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ivory coast (Abidjan), Ivory coast (San Pedro), Ghana, Cape Verde and Nigeria

Support action for contributing to the establishment of a European Maritime Single Window environment data set. Currently, the RFD reporting rules only concern some of the port call formalities envisaged by EU legislation and international maritime agreements. Currently, some 230 data elements fall under the 14 formalities for mandatory RFD reporting (RFD Annex 1, part A: EU legislation and part B: international obligations). The data reported via the National Single Windows today thus serve several purposes and covers a broad spectrum of policy areas. Performed activities included • Defining methodology, technology to collect, compare, clean, standardize all date elements and super data elements to comply with Form C requirements. Perform collection of data with all major EU maritime Member States. Prepare full deployment of tool, and related database to allow Member States to comply with EU new regulation on National/Maritime Single Window.

Since 2016 onwards, PortExpertise performes the analysis of defines an action plan on compliance with EU (such as SafeSeaNet) requirements of the national IT applications, their legislation and their reporting procedures 2014-2017. Defining Service Delivery plan (2017-2018) and the approach to the recently published European Maritime Single Window environment and repealing Directive 2010/65/EU. This included activities such data mapping exercises - technical definition and the semantics of the data elements – alignment of data sets between port communities, federal level (customs, sanitation, police, environment, search & rescue, inspection services, …) and SafeSeaNet.

PortExpertise acts as maritime and digital data expert in the framework MOVE/D1/2019-280, a single framework contract for technical and organizational support to the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF). The consortium is lead by Deloitte, Belgium (2020-2023).

11 pilots sites in 9 EU countries, 43 beneficiaries and 9 TEN-T corridors and a total budget of 60,6 million €. FENIX will develop the first European federated architecture for data sharing serving the European logistics community of shippers, logistics service providers, mobility infrastructure providers, cities, and authorities in order to offer interoperability between any individual existing and future platforms. FENIX, along with FEDeRated, are two Connecting Europe Facility flagship projects on digitilazion in transport and logistics. Indeed FENIX originates from the work and recommendations of the European Commission’s Digital Transport and Logistic Forum (DTLF) - in which PortExpertise is a neutral advisor - to create a viable and valid federative network of platforms as enabler for Business to Administration (B2A) and Business to Business (B2B) data exchange and sharing by transport and logistics operators. The activity 'Defining the business model and operational model' is executed by PortExpertise.

PortExpertise reviewed the company's renewal of the Authorized Economic Operator certificate, which included the analysis of current procedures, and suggested remediations as per AEO Self-Assessment guidelines. The remediation included insights from the security breaches in the transport and logistics sector.

Pakistan ratified the WTO’s Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2015 and as such committed herself to the establishment of a trade related National Single Window (NSW) by 2022. PortExpertise's, together with partner Railistics assisted the World Bank in assessing the way forward on the nation's PCS. The findings clearly showed the inter connectivity between the NSW and the Port Community Systems. While the on-line customs system clears 40% of the containerised cargo within minutes (green channel), the overall container dwelling time in the port remained at 9 days on average. Our effort identified the bottlenecks from operational, legal and procedural perspective and its remediations, and set up a roadmap and budget.

The full organisation, including delivering content from - among others - PortExpertise's experts of the technical workshop for Italy's project 'Study for standard enhancement and interconnection of national systems of RIS – Italy”. Besides lectures, in-the-field visits were performed. Attendants were PM Sistemi Territoriali SpA, Agenzia Interregionale per il Po (AIPo), RINA, RAM Logistica, Infrastrutture e Trasporti Spa.

Delivering services to contract holder Ecorys, PortExpertise's activities consisted of the development of a Risk Management System (RMS) for the port's operations, as part of developing the port's strategy and new organisational form.

During various project evaluations and international projects financed by the Worldbank PortExpertise performed several economic and financial cost benefit analyses for projects that dealt with intermodal - transport related investments in wider port and maritime areas, LNG, e-battery powered vessels, rail extensions to terminals, LNG network implementation, remediation of dangerous vapours from oil handling, simulators for port cranes, .. . The methodologies applied were World Bank’s ‘Cost Benefit Analysis in World bank projects and ‘Cost - benefit analysis and the European ‘Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investments Projects, economic appraisal tool for Cohesion Policy 201-2020’.

Assistance to Port Authority's IT organisation in co-writing and reviewing proposal to offer services regarding selection, modificiation and implementation of IT application to automatic processing of port dues.

A joined effort with Railistics GmbH, the team performed a full analysis of current rail activities in port area of Antwerp, on operational, legal and organizational dimension. Comparison to alternative organisational concepts in similar conditions were performed (cfr Germany, France, … ).

PortExpertise acting as project partner delivered content, co-writing and review activities of third parties contributions to INTERREG TWO SEAS call n° 6 proposals on data sharing platform related to compulsory reporting on multimodal transport of dangerous goods.

Audit on project deliverables related to River Information Services. The provided services included compliance check with directives, comparison with other Member States RIS maturity level, review of actions to be taken.

PortExpertise MSW Expert, Mr.Bentein assisted framecontract holder Ecorys in the revision of th EU Reporting Formalities Directive with the aim to establish European Martime Single Window Environment, which included an analysis of current state of EU MSW in EU maritime member states

The aftermath of the large European Maritime Single Window project (see reference AnNa), resulted in a continution of our expert services to the Belgian Ministry of Transport in which the client was assisted on ongoing MSW procedures. Services included analysis and defining action plan on compliancy with SafeSeaNet requirements of the national IT applications.

Developing the methodology for a coordinated approach to the clustering, monitoring and evaluation of results of the actions under the Ports of the Future. PortExpertise acted as Lead of work package 1 ‘Port of the Future: definition of the concept’, defining data analysis approach, developing database, query functionalities, co-author of deliverable; as Subject Matter Experts to work packages 2 ‘selection and clustering of projects and initiatives of interest’, work package 3 ‘Evaluation: analysis of the clustered projects and activities of interest’, participating in workshops with external experts from maritime industry, and as member of steering committee.

The container and multi purpose terminal requested assistance from our experts in selecting the matching Terminal Operating Systems. Together with Stow Faktor, PortExpertise defined the set up the project in order to allow an efficient package selection. This included the process re(engineering) of planning and terminal activities.

PortExpertise provided a pre-positioning of the region's hinterland port development plan in order to link it to the nation's national strategy. PortExpertise also identified the cargo flows, forecasted traffic flows, foresaw training facilities and drafted the layout, the project financing and the necessary IT-applications.

PortExpertise provided the training of a port terminal manager to be located in Beira. Expert training was given during a general training program set-up by Venturn NL. PortExpertise experts contributed to on-the-job trainings related to ISPS, AEO, IT-applications (Terminal Management Systems) and terminal planning (dry bulk, break bulk).

PortExpertise provided technical assistance for preparing solutions, did a feasibility study with cost-benefit analysis for dangerous cargo terminal, and identified the optimal operator model.

PortExpertise did the research for dry ports and logistics centers in Jordan. This study dealt with traffic flow analysis, demand assessment, including refeasibility studies for 3 locations (Aqaba, Amman and Mafraq) and PPP-finance options.

PortExpertise pre-screens European subsidy projects on EU-program specs: eligibility, financial plan, risk management, dissemination plan etc. It also helps to complete the applications and provides calculations and the always requested dissemination and communication plan. The EU-programs deal with mobility, innovation in marine context, such as the TEN-T program and Horizon 2020. PortExpertise experts also evaluate European subsidy applications from private companies and public authorities from all EU-member states.

PortExpertise technically assists the capacity building for prevention of marine pollution caused by ship-sourced wastes. The project deals with ship generated waste and adequate port reception facilities, shipyards and ballast sediments and best practices for removal of anti-fouling paints, hull washing, with illegal discharges and the removal of spilled oil.

PortExpertise realized an optimization study for waste heat use. Therefore, an audit, a detailed assessment, an implementation plan, as well as the implementation were part of this assignment.

PortExpertise identified the technical and managerial measures that can contribute to the minimization of ship generated waste. It evaluated the financial implications, presented an harmonized system for waste collection, and an indirect fee system for ship generated waste between the participating countries.

PortExpertise created branding and logo, defined the house style, newsletter content and review for Euroshore, an International Trade Association of port reception facility providers in Europe and beyond.

PortExpertise prepared a feasibility study to improve maritime connectivity and set the conditions for the establishment of a regional feeder service in the SW Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius Indian Ocean Islands, 2014-2016.

In the framework of the LIFE-program, PortExpertise realized a R&D study and tested new innovative techniques for soil cleaning in EU-seaports.

PortExpertise drafted waste management plan for inland navigation for Flanders, consisting of draft regulations for inland shipping and ports. Its experts consulted stakeholders, set up a model for the notification and enforcement of the MARPOL 73/78 Convention and the EU-Directive 2000/59. EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency) uses today this model as the preferred model for Europe. It is an integrated IT-system where port authority, port state control and the environmental agency can verify and validate the data.

PortExpertise assisted the competent authority in the EU-Maritime Single Window compliancy implementation SafeSeaNet project for Belgium, an European project that has been rolled out in various European countries, 2014-2016, BE, BG, CY, IT, FR, GR, LT, NL, P, RO, SL, SP, SW UK, CR, D, Iceland, Malta, NW, Israel, Montenegro.

PortExpertise assesses port operations and processes performance of the port of Conakry, Bissau, in the perspective of developing and modernizing the port. It maps the structure of the port, evaluates its cost structure (breakbulk and container terminal) and compares the latter with competitive ports of Dakar, Bissau and Abidjan. It also evaluates the indicators assessing Conakry port's competitivity.

PortExpertise prepared a study on the operations and port development opportunities of Russian ports under EBRD finance.

PortExpertise diagnosed the actual situation of the port of Guinee-Bissau and realized a concept plan as well as the first basic documents needed to take action towards a new organization and expansion for the port. PortExpertise presented a financial model including CAPEX, tariffs, operational costs, the relevant parties' financing, revenues and returns. It proposed a restructuring plan consistinf of the new organizational structure, costs, benefits and risks of the withheld evolutive scenario.

PortExperise developed a financial model which is to be used by the Port Authority of Suriname as a tool to evaluate its present port tariffs, fees and land lease rates.

PortExpertise prepared the waste management plan for the port of Antwerp in the frame of the EU-Directive 2000/59. It advised the port's general manager on different issues: investment promoter for especially chemical and petrochemical companies, redrafting of concession agreements; implementation of new EU-legislation on ships waste, customs, security measures in the frame of the ISPS-Code; ports of refuge; oil spill contingency plans and promotion of sustainable shipping. PortExpertise also organized training courses in “port environment” at the Antwerp port training center (APEC), dealing with ships waste, dredging, soil pollution, air quality, nature conservation and port security issues.

PortExpertise undertook a CAPEX-OPEX study for expansion of oil export terminal, Murmansk, Russia.

PortExpertise and Canadian partner NSIP3 realized a federal environmental assessment for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012)). The project was evaluated against institutional and port related policies regarding sustainable development.

PortExpertise did a due diligence analysis including process management support and prospectus.

PortExpertise developed a methodology and model for cost measurement and monitoring of operations and maintenance costs for infrastructure projects in King Abdullah Port, (transport, health, education and water sectors).

PortExpertise relaized commercial audits and market studies (potential, commercial activities, customs management systems, commercial distribution channels, pricing strategies, quality management, branding and communication strategies for the port areas of Hamburg-Le Havre range, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

PortExpertise assessed Tanzania’s ports in a regional economic environment. It prepared considerations for alternative ports management structures and models as well as the financial implications of ports and logistics reforms. PortExpertise also advised on port and logistics regulatory issues, gave policy and reform recommendations when assessing PPP-possibilities for transport infrastructure development.

PortExpertise prepared a chemical cluster benchmark study for the port areas of Houston (USA), Ludwigshafen (D), Jurong Island (SG), Rotterdam (NL), Tarragona (SP), Jubail (SA) and Rhône-Alpes (F).

In the framework of a European project for greener shipping, PortExpertise analyzed the use of alternative ships’ fuels, such a s LNG and the use of shore side electricity.

PortExpertise functioned as the lead negotiator for layout and financing of port rail way infrastructure with governmental bodies.

PortExpertise did the operational revision of port engineering plan, defining technical and functional requirements for the main port of Duqm.

TRACECA-corridor is involved in gradually developing trends of trade and economic development. Major traffic flows passing through a corridor formed on the one hand, in Western and Central Europe, and on the other - in Central and South East Asia. At present the TRACECA-countries are gradually implementing the IGC TRACECA Strategy for development of the international transport Europe-Caucasus-Asia corridor for the period up to 2015, aimed at creation of a sustainable infrastructure chain ensuring multi-modal transport with step-by-step integration of the corridor into the Trans-European Transport Networks (TENs). In this context of improving maritime links between the TRACECA and TENs-corridors, Port- Expertise did market research and projected traffic flows, did a feasibility study on the ro-ro terminal Samsun and a pre-feasibility study of the port of Filyos (both in Turkey). It also analyzed the port community systems, looked at maritime safety and security, and studied PPP-and bankable projects in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Georgia,and Ukraine.

PortExpertise realized certification projects for various maritime port terminals (ISO, AEO, GMP, ISPS, HACCP) and various ports various mainly European ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Mesaieed).

PortExperise gave feasibility advice on port facilities in the port of Ghent for new bio energy projects by Bioro-Südzucker. The Walloon Government initiated the project.

PortExpertise revised the conceptual design of a container/multi-purpose terminal in Murmansk. Focus was on terminal logistics, handling equipment, and mooring procedures.

PortExpertise did a technical and operational assessment of the Port of Batumi for a private investor considering tendering for the acquisition of the complete port. Focus was put on terminal logistics, handling equipment and nautical aspects.

PortExpertise advised the main Belgian ports on design and implementation of new dry and liquid bulk terminals at several instances in an evolutive process.

PortExpertise realized an environmental, safety and security port audit system in the port of Liepaja.

PortExpertise establised the International Maritime Transport Academy India in Mumbai, as a joint venture with a private Indian investor. It also developed a Cost-Benefit Analysis model.

PortExpertise provided technical assistance for the rehabilitation, upgrading and institutional strengthening of the port of Paramaribo. It presented activity based costing research, reviewed port tariffs, valuated port assets, lease agreements, the budget and accounting system.