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Port Houston joins Portchain Connect

Photo: Houston Port Houston Ship Channel aeriel view
Port Houston has joined the Portchain Connect Network aiming at enhancing berth scheduling and availability for ships calling its facilities.

Portchain Connect will allow Port Houston to get real-time schedule and move count updates directly from carrier systems, permitting them to immediately reply and counter-propose to align the vessel schedule with the terminal berth plan.

Port Houston has also connected its berth plan with Portchain Connect to fully automate data transmission and instantly update and notify the carrier of berth schedule changes, saving time and giving frequent and accurate updates.

 “Port Houston has a strategic objective to enhance efficiency and resilience through innovative technology. We are excited to improve our berth alignment and collaboration with our customers. The automated data exchange and digital collaboration saves time and effort and improves the berth scheduling process,” said Mike Shaffner, Director of Operations, Planning and Technology of Port Houston.

“We are excited to work with Port Houston and help them drive efficiencies in their berth alignment process by facilitating streamlined data exchange,” commented Thor Thorup, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-founder of Portchain Connect Network.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration and continuously improving the platform based on user feedback.”

Last week, Port Houston celebrated the completion of Wharf 6 of its Bayport Container Terminal expansion project.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) invested nearly $80 million in the terminal’s wharf and yard space, building on previous investments to increase capacity and efficiency, such as the rehabilitation of the north side container yards, Wharf 3 rehabilitation and truck gate expansion.

Wharf and port upgrades, cargo staging yards, zero-emission vehicles, charging infrastructure, increased terminal space, and the deepening and expansion of the Houston Ship Channel – Project 11 – are among these initiatives.