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Case study 6
Pulse of the port: Measuring Port Performance with PPI Platform
The PPI platform is regularly updated with relevant developments and information. Subscribe to updates to stay informed about news relating to port performance and other developments in the logistics chain.
In an era where global trade dynamics are constantly evolving, the Port of Rotterdam is stepping up on transparency to lead by example. As Europe largest port, Rotterdam is a crucial hub that ensures trade flows run smoothly and efficiently across the continent. The dynamic market is subject to logistical challenges such as congested trade routes, increasing transport costs, and delays. To ensure Rotterdam is resilient as a European hub, it has started developing and sharing key Port Performance Indicators (PPIs) to make the container sector more transparent. Sharing will strengthen the collaboration with stakeholders, make processes more efficient, predictable, sustainable and solidify Port of Rotterdam’s position in the global logistics chain.
Josh McHenry
Business manager port & supply chain performance
at Port of Rotterdam Authority
Remco Weevers,
Product Development Manager at C.H. Robinson
"We have an extensive logistics network established in the port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a big port, so any insight to communicate with our international customers can help attract new business opportunities”
"Data collaboration improves communication in the supply chain, allowing for more effective deployment of people and resources."
Positive reactions
Positive reactions are already coming from the market. "PPIs are important to have insight into the competitiveness of the Port of Rotterdam," says a major forwarder. "It distinguishes us from other ports and allows us to showcase our advantages as the Gateway to Europe. It helps companies in the port to show their international customers an independent measurement of port performance."
Performance Reports
In 2025, monthly performance reports for specific target groups will be available on the platform. "Within the Port Authority, we have started performance dialogues. These internal discussions about specific commodities, processes, or modalities ensure operational performance is at the forefront of our business context. We will also engage with external stakeholders. For example, we will work with industry associations to identify the issues that port users and logistics service providers are facing. Understanding performance and challenges is the first step. Data tells half the story, and engaging with the market brings context. We follow a use-case driven approach to drill down and solve port user pain points."
Antoinette Vels, representative of the Transport and Logistics Network (TLN) and FENEX commented; “We are excited to work closely with Port of Rotterdam on defining key metrics, unlocking data, discussing performance trends, and finding efficiency and sustainability solutions as data on the performance of the port are very useful for our members."
Measurable port
The PPI platform lays a foundation to make the port measurable, allowing stakeholders to plan better and, in the long term, predict things like ship arrival times. McHenry states, "We will also use these performance indicators to monitor the progress of various collective sustainability and operational goals. In addition to operational efficiency, the sustainability aspect will also receive increasing attention. For example, just-in-time sailing or less waiting time contributes to reducing emissions. Through this platform, we can also support compliance with legislation, including the mandatory reporting requirements under the European CSRD directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). This platform can not only be used for insights but also as a tool for the Port to determine threats and possibilities in supply chain performance. Indicators can serve as triggers to initiate actions to improve situations such as congestion, enhancing overall resilience.”
"We have an extensive logistics network established in the Port of Rotterdam. Any insight to communicate with our international customers can help attract new business opportunities” added Remco.
Firmly on the map
Reliable sources
According to McHenry, the benefits of data collaboration are limitless. "This improves communication in the supply chain, allowing for more effective deployment of people and resources. Our stakeholders can make data-driven decisions and provide their international customers with insight into the workings of our port. Furthermore, data makes it possible to benchmark the performance of seaports and companies. As a Port Authority, we use data to improve our asset management and expand our services. In all these ways, data helps to promote the Rotterdam gateway even better and put it more firmly on the map."
Remco Weevers, Product Development Manager at C.H. Robinson said “Many solution providers are attempting to communicate how the port is performing with unclear definitions or unreliable data. Having a neutral organization like the port authority lead this will help build trust in the performance data needed to optimize operations and improve sustainability.” This sentiment is echoed by other freight forwarders in the working group, who also believe that a neutral authority can enhance data reliability and foster greater collaboration within the industry.
Elianne Wieles, Port of Rotterdam Business Manager Deepsea Carriers states, “As we enter 2025 with new carrier alliances planning to use Rotterdam as a key hub in their operating model, the PPI platform becomes even more critical. Carriers, often subject to liner service schedule disruptions due to volatile geopolitical environments, can now set and achieve reliability targets with greater confidence. By benchmarking performance and participating in efficiency and sustainability initiatives such as just-in-time shipping, carriers play a pivotal role in facilitating cargo flows. Initial conversations with Deepsea carriers have received positive responses, further validating the platform’s potential. The PPI platform empowers us to navigate these challenges, optimize operations, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable global trade network."
The PPI platform is in its early stages, currently focusing on historical data of port performance and efficiency within the container sector. It provides monthly insights into container vessel behaviors and quarterly data on container throughput. In the future, the platform will enhance container insights and expand to include information on other commodities, such as liquid and dry bulk.
McHenry stated, 'We aim to offer a suite of data solutions that help understand performance and the impacts of supply chain disruptions. By carefully selecting neutral and accurate data from reliable sources, we can monitor the supply chain and help provide insight to our customers on the impact of disruptions. Such as enhancing predictability of vessel schedules in response to the current conflict in the Red Sea. Offering these insights ensures all key stakeholders are informed and can act accordingly. Throughout this process, we will ensure that data protection and sensitivity are carefully considered.'
Connecting the world. Building tomorrow's sustainable port. This purpose drives the Port of Rotterdam to ensure smooth and efficient trade flows across Europe, maintaining and enhancing economic prosperity and quality of life throughout the continent. Traditionally, ports are a 'black box' when considering performance transparency, so in response to increasing operational pressure demands and appropriate to our ambition, more efficiency, sustainability and thus transparency is needed. To achieve this, the Port of Rotterdam has been investing in digitalization to improve the measurability of the port and supply chain. "Through our PPI platform, we now communicate even more proactively about our operational performance," says Josh McHenry, business manager port & supply chain performance. "By offering our stakeholders insights into our performance and challenges, we empower them to make data-driven decisions that align with their strategic and sustainability objectives. For instance, by understanding congestion levels, port users can better plan logistics and communicate effectively with their customers."
Pulse of the port: Measuring Port Performance with PPI Platform
Case study 6
Positive reactions
Positive reactions are already coming from the market. "PPIs are important to have insight into the competitiveness of the Port of Rotterdam," says a major forwarder. "It distinguishes us from other ports and allows us to showcase our advantages as the Gateway to Europe. It helps companies in the port to show their international customers an independent measurement of port performance."
The PPI platform is regularly updated with relevant developments and information. Subscribe to updates to stay informed about news relating to port performance and other developments in the logistics chain.
Performance Reports
In 2025, monthly performance reports for specific target groups will be available on the platform. "Within the Port Authority, we have started performance dialogues. These internal discussions about specific commodities, processes, or modalities ensure operational performance is at the forefront of our business context. We will also engage with external stakeholders. For example, we will work with industry associations to identify the issues that port users and logistics service providers are facing. Understanding performance and challenges is the first step. Data tells half the story, and engaging with the market brings context. We follow a use-case driven approach to drill down and solve port user pain points."
Antoinette Vels, representative of the Transport and Logistics Network (TLN) and FENEX commented; “We are excited to work closely with Port of Rotterdam on defining key metrics, unlocking data, discussing performance trends, and finding efficiency and sustainability solutions as data on the performance of the port are very useful for our members."
Remco Weevers,
Product Development Manager at C.H. Robinson
"We have an extensive logistics network established in the port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a big port, so any insight to communicate with our international customers can help attract new business opportunities”
Measurable port
The PPI platform lays a foundation to make the port measurable, allowing stakeholders to plan better and, in the long term, predict things like ship arrival times. McHenry states, "We will also use these performance indicators to monitor the progress of various collective sustainability and operational goals. In addition to operational efficiency, the sustainability aspect will also receive increasing attention. For example, just-in-time sailing or less waiting time contributes to reducing emissions. Through this platform, we can also support compliance with legislation, including the mandatory reporting requirements under the European CSRD directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). This platform can not only be used for insights but also as a tool for the Port to determine threats and possibilities in supply chain performance. Indicators can serve as triggers to initiate actions to improve situations such as congestion, enhancing overall resilience.”
"We have an extensive logistics network established in the Port of Rotterdam. Any insight to communicate with our international customers can help attract new business opportunities” added Remco.
According to McHenry, the benefits of data collaboration are limitless. "This improves communication in the supply chain, allowing for more effective deployment of people and resources. Our stakeholders can make data-driven decisions and provide their international customers with insight into the workings of our port. Furthermore, data makes it possible to benchmark the performance of seaports and companies. As a Port Authority, we use data to improve our asset management and expand our services. In all these ways, data helps to promote the Rotterdam gateway even better and put it more firmly on the map."
Remco Weevers, Product Development Manager at C.H. Robinson said “Many solution providers are attempting to communicate how the port is performing with unclear definitions or unreliable data. Having a neutral organization like the port authority lead this will help build trust in the performance data needed to optimize operations and improve sustainability.” This sentiment is echoed by other freight forwarders in the working group, who also believe that a neutral authority can enhance data reliability and foster greater collaboration within the industry.
Elianne Wieles, Port of Rotterdam Business Manager Deepsea Carriers states, “As we enter 2025 with new carrier alliances planning to use Rotterdam as a key hub in their operating model, the PPI platform becomes even more critical. Carriers, often subject to liner service schedule disruptions due to volatile geopolitical environments, can now set and achieve reliability targets with greater confidence. By benchmarking performance and participating in efficiency and sustainability initiatives such as just-in-time shipping, carriers play a pivotal role in facilitating cargo flows. Initial conversations with Deepsea carriers have received positive responses, further validating the platform’s potential. The PPI platform empowers us to navigate these challenges, optimize operations, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable global trade network."
Firmly on the map
Josh McHenry
Business manager port & supply chain performance
at Port of Rotterdam Authority
"Data collaboration improves communication in the supply chain, allowing for more effective deployment of people and resources."
The PPI platform is in its early stages, currently focusing on historical data of port performance and efficiency within the container sector. It provides monthly insights into container vessel behaviors and quarterly data on container throughput. In the future, the platform will enhance container insights and expand to include information on other commodities, such as liquid and dry bulk.
McHenry stated, 'We aim to offer a suite of data solutions that help understand performance and the impacts of supply chain disruptions. By carefully selecting neutral and accurate data from reliable sources, we can monitor the supply chain and help provide insight to our customers on the impact of disruptions. Such as enhancing predictability of vessel schedules in response to the current conflict in the Red Sea. Offering these insights ensures all key stakeholders are informed and can act accordingly. Throughout this process, we will ensure that data protection and sensitivity are carefully considered.'
Reliable sources
Connecting the world. Building tomorrow's sustainable port. This purpose drives the Port of Rotterdam to ensure smooth and efficient trade flows across Europe, maintaining and enhancing economic prosperity and quality of life throughout the continent. Traditionally, ports are a 'black box' when considering performance transparency, so in response to increasing operational pressure demands and appropriate to our ambition, more efficiency, sustainability and thus transparency is needed. To achieve this, the Port of Rotterdam has been investing in digitalization to improve the measurability of the port and supply chain. "Through our PPI platform, we now communicate even more proactively about our operational performance," says Josh McHenry, business manager port & supply chain performance. "By offering our stakeholders insights into our performance and challenges, we empower them to make data-driven decisions that align with their strategic and sustainability objectives. For instance, by understanding congestion levels, port users can better plan logistics and communicate effectively with their customers."
In an era where global trade dynamics are constantly evolving, the Port of Rotterdam is stepping up on transparency to lead by example. As Europe largest port, Rotterdam is a crucial hub that ensures trade flows run smoothly and efficiently across the continent. The dynamic market is subject to logistical challenges such as congested trade routes, increasing transport costs, and delays. To ensure Rotterdam is resilient as a European hub, it has started developing and sharing key Port Performance Indicators (PPIs) to make the container sector more transparent. Sharing will strengthen the collaboration with stakeholders, make processes more efficient, predictable, sustainable and solidify Port of Rotterdam’s position in the global logistics chain.