By John Winn, Chairman, Haven Gateway private business forum

IF YOU thought working in ports and logistics is all about cranes, containers and trucks, think again. These days it’s also about the E-word, especially on a European level.

In short, we are facing an E-bombardment. E-maritime, Ship Reporting Formalities, E-customs … the European Union is treating us to a plethora of ICT initiatives, directives and projects designed to make transport and trade through Europe smooth, efficient and free of bottlenecks, be they physical or virtual.

But how are the ports themselves to implement all of this? How do all these E-initiatives fit together? How can they become reality in the port environment, and how will implementation vary from one location to another, depending on the size and strategy of the port in question?

The EU may be looking for seamless connections and integrated systems, but one size will not fit all.

These were the issues considered in depth at the recent EU Port Integration workshop and seminar, entitled ‘Maritime Transport and Port Interfaces – Environment for the Application of ICT Technologies in EU Ports’, which I attended in Riga, in Latvia.

An important part of the discussions followed the presentation by Fundación Valencia Port (Spain) of a unique report which tackles the key issues. The report, which will be extended by contributions from the Port of Tallinn (Estonia) and then by the Port of Riga, looks at the necessity for the implementation of ICT initiatives, provides a summary of all the relevant activities of the EU, and considers possible strategies for ports as they move forward in this area.

It stands out in offering a broad summary of the EU’s ICT-related intentions and plans, and of the relevant options for ports. When complete, it will be posted on the PI website and available to all.

My part in the seminar was to give a presentation on Port Community Systems (PCS), outlining the vital role they play in smoothing port operations, logistics and supply chains, and explaining the creation of the new European Port Community Systems Association (EPCSA), which has already become an important lobbying force in Europe. Felixstowe-based Maritime Cargo Processing is a founding partner of EPCSA.

A discussion panel considered the challenges and approaches for implementing the EU Directive on Ship Reporting Formalities.

What became clear from our discussions is that some ports are ahead on some aspects of ICT and some on others – and some are barely on the road at all. There is clearly pressure on EU member states in this area, and Port Community Systems such as MCP will play a central role in guiding and supporting the ports, all stakeholders and the EU itself in moving the e-concept forward.