IT-DEVELOPMENT IN THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM

A literature review has been done to summarize the impact of the Internet of Things and Intelligent container influence on both the port function as supply chain of container transport. The focus is on the port of Rotterdam and all benefit are adjusted to its present situation. IT-development has the possibility the change container transportation both in ports as the supply chain in general. Efficiency in the port itself can be optimized by the increased information exchange of the Internet of Things, which will be used to make more matched schedules for all actors in the port and hereby improving efficiency. Furthermore time can be saved while security will benefit from the implementation of the Internet of things as well as intelligent containers by processing for the authorization group. The exchanged data will result in a better possibility to monitor all activities in the port itself. All these information exchanges will cause the port to become an information hub. It can also influence the whole supply chain of container transport. Synchro-modal transport and the use of inland terminals benefit from a far reaching IT-development. Both efficiency and sustainability will benefit from the use of these new trends in the supply chain. If the trends will become the standard the hierarchy in the port itself will change. Furthermore will it result in the port as a transhipment hub instead of the distribution hub it is nowadays. However, this transformation is not as easy as can be imagined. There are some risks that will threaten full implementation. Security risks, support among port actors and economic shifts are threats that need to be monitored first before changing into an information hub.