Ocean platform NxtPort and Air Cargo Belgium have announced a new partnership to investigate the possibility of developing multimodal cargo solutions.
The two groups pointed out that companies that transport freight by sea, frequently use airfreight as well, and much of the logistics – such as customs formalities – are the same.
NxtPort chief executive Daniel Lievens said: “There are differences between ship and air transport, but increasingly there are more similarities.
“Since the Flemish ports and the national airport, Brussels Airport, share the same cargo customers, companies are looking for efficiency and cost savings.
"Many of the logistics processes are largely the same, such as customs procedures for goods that must travel the airport and harbors for import and export. If we find ways to make the process more efficient and less time-intensive, everyone wins.”
Air Cargo Belgium chairman Steven Polmans added: “If we share our knowledge and expertise through an innovative platform, we create a bridge between the sea and air transport industries.
"Our collaboration will strengthen Flanders’ position as a regional leader in innovation and logistics. We want to work towards offering more support and a larger market for digital solutions, and involve other links to the logistics chain.
"Both NxtPort and Air Cargo Belgium have each held constructive talks with the customs authorities, and I can imagine that the authorities themselves will want to find ways to simplify their own procedures in cooperation with the industry.”
NxtPort and Air Cargo Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding linking to one another’s ecosystems.
They will continue to develop a digital roadmap, keep the other apprised on processes and procedures, and share use cases. They will hold regular work sessions together to keep the information exchange going.
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