Prenotify barge visits and containers to terminals and depots via a single portal. Hinterland Container Notification – Barge (HCN Barge) also supplies the input for Nextlogic’s integral planning of every visit to the port.
How does the Loading / unloading list differ per terminal?
*Hours prior to PTA (Planned time of arrival of Barge)
What are the different statuses of the Load/Discharge List?
The Load/Discharge List has four statuses with a corresponding version of the icon.
How do I send my Load/Discharge List to ECT Delta/Euromax before the cargo cut-off?
Early submission of the Load/Discharge List only applies to the ECT Delta and Euromax terminals.
Green prenotifications are automatically sent to these terminals when the Load/Discharge List is closed (at ECT this is 8 hours before the start of the barge slot) or manually and prematurely at the cut-off.) This is done using the 'Send Load/Discharge List’ button, which you can find under the 'Visit’ tab.
By clicking the 'Send Load/Discharge List' button, the green prenotifications are forwarded to ECT Delta/Euromax.
NOTE: The Load/Discharge List must comply with the minimum call size set by ECT.
What has terminal ECT communicated about the Loading / unloading functionality?
Who can re-close the Load/Discharge List?
This can only be done by the barge operator, by clicking the "Finalize Load-Discharge list” button.
Who can reopen the Load/Discharge List?
This can only be done by the data departments of the various terminals.
Please contact them directly.
Which terminals work with the load/discharge list functionality?
Yes
Planned
No
| ECT Delta | |
| Euromax | |
| APMTR | |
| APMII | |
| RWG | |
| RST Noord & Zuid | |
Why is there a cut-off time for a barge load-discharge list?
The introduction of the automatic cut-off, which creates a final load-discharge list, is necessary for Nextlogic’s integrated planning. Based on the data in the final load-discharge lists, Nextlogic can further optimise the integrated planning for Nextlogic participants.
To ensure a straightforward working method, the same principle has been applied to manual planning.
What does the cut-off for the load-discharge list involve?
All the prenotifications submitted for a barge visit together make up the load-discharge list. The load-discharge list is automatically closed at the terminal a few hours before the barge arrives. This is the so-called cut-off time. After this, the load-discharge list status is final and no further changes are possible.
What are the cut-off times?
Different times may apply per terminal and for loading empty containers, loading full containers, unloading empty containers and unloading full containers. For barges with a mixed cargo, the earliest cut-off time determines when the entire load-discharge list is closed for the visit.
| cut-off time general | cutt-off time discharging empty | |
|---|---|---|
| ECT Euromax | 8 | |
| ECT Delta | 8 | |
| APMTR | 4 | 1 |
| APMII | 2 | |
| RWG | 2 |
How can you tell when the cut-off has passed and the load-discharge list is final?
During a scheduled visit, a green dot with a white check mark is shown.
When an additional ‘padlock’ icon is shown, the load-discharge list has been finalised.
Are all green and red prenotifications shown in the final load-discharge list?
No, only those prenotifications that are in order (or ‘green’) will be included in the final load-discharge list. The result is a load-discharge list containing only 'green' prenotifications.
All prenotifications found not be in order (‘red’ prenotifications) are rejected in MCA Barge.
Where can I see the rejected prenotifications?
After the cut-off, the ‘red’ prenotifications are automatically rejected in MCA Barge. These remain visible to the barge operator under the handlings of the visit in question and are marked ‘rejected’.
Can ‘green’ prenotifications on a final load-discharge list still turn ‘red’?
Yes, that can happen. For example, if a customs inspection or embargo is announced after the cut-off time. The prenotification will remain on the final load-discharge list for the time being; the container will not be loaded or unloaded by the terminal.
How can I make a change after the cut-off?
If changes are required to a final load-discharge list (after the cut-off), this can only be done by contacting the terminal directly. The terminal operator can then reopen the load-discharge list in MCA Barge. After this, the barge operator makes the changes and must then again close the load-discharge list in MCA Barge itself. As soon as all changes have been made, the barge operator closes the load-discharge list by clicking on the "Finalize Load-Discharge list” button.
How do I proceed if I notice that my vessel will be unable to meet the slot time at ECT as specified in HCN Barge?
As a barge operator, we expect you to adjust the ETA in HCN Barge in accordance with the expected delay in these kinds of situations.
Once my vessel has been scheduled at ECT in HCN Barge, how can I still benefit from any capacity becoming available sooner?
If you want to take advantage of any capacity that becomes available at ECT sooner as a barge operator, you must specify the earliest time that your barge can be at the terminal via the ETA in HCN Barge. ECT takes these specified ETAs into account when replanning.
Can the minimum call size be modified?
The minimum call size check in MCA Barge only applies to the arrangements agreed with ECT Delta/Euromax. The terminal can modify the minimum call size per visit; however, this will only be permitted in very exceptional circumstances.
Please contact the ECT CAL department to discuss this possibility.
How can I move through the input fields quickly and effectively?
To quickly move through the date fields, fill in the first field (in full or in part) and then use tab to jump to the next field.
Date example: the system automatically grabs the complete date of the current month after you enter the day of the month (for example 15) and press tab on the keyboard.
What do the words Detached, Expected, In Operation, Completed mean?
The dashboard offers real-time insight into your handlings in 4 boxes:
Note: Not all terminals send gate-in/out information to MCA Road, in which case you can check the terminal's website for gate in/out information.
Is it possible to cancel a status request?
You can cancel the status request in the MCA web screen. However, no cancellation will be forwarded to the terminal.
On the terminal side, the status request expires as soon as a new status request or prenotification is submitted. Or if the term of the status request expires.
What seal number do you enter for a FLAT?
You may enter FLAT or TANK here.
How many characters are permitted in the seal number?
The seal number you enter in your prenotification must always be between two and fifteen positions long. Entering a longer number or only a single full stop or a single space is not permitted.
Where can I view the logbook?
Click on the rotation and then on the third tab, 'history'. Here you will find the logbook (see also the screenshot below). Here you can see all the events that took place during this rotation. Clicking on an event displays the rotation as it appeared at that moment in the past.
Note: you can search within the logbook by using the search function CTRL+F.
Is it possible to view a rotation/visit after it has been cancelled?
Once you have cancelled a rotation or visit, it will no longer be displayed on the HCN Barge web page. The terminal will receive a “Cancellation Requested” status update in connection with the cancelled visit/rotation. As soon as the terminal accepts the cancellation, the visit or rotation will no longer be visible on the terminal web page in HCN Barge.
How can I quickly find my prenotification/status request, visit or rotation?
There are search filters within the screens. By entering one or more search terms, you can create a list. Search terms can be combined by means of a space. A search is performed on the words you see in the list but also on words and fields in the entire prenotification/status request, visit or rotation.
Examples: Go to the list of 'Handlings' or the 'Handlings' tab in a visit.
| Desired result: list of all handlings of containers | Search terms |
| being loaded | Loading |
| being discharged | Discharge |
| with container number ABCD6170760 | ABCD6170760 |
| with booking number/clearance reference
REF6170760 |
REF6170760 |
| being discharged with a rejected prenotification | rejected discharge |
| that have been cancelled | Cancelled |
| that are empty and have been discharged | empty discharged |
| with shipping company 'Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd' | OOCL |
| that are blocked | BLC |
| for which the documents are not in order (Customs Documents Missing) | CDM |
Below is a summary of known codes which the terminal can communicate back to you via the handling status and which you can search on using the search filter.
| Code | Omschrijving |
| BCO | Before cargo opening |
| BLA | Blocked by shipping line |
| BLB | Blocked by security |
| BLC | Blocked due to customs |
| BLD | Blocked by fire brigade |
| BLI | Blocked by inspection |
| BLN | Blocked due to difference in container number between delivery order and physical container |
| BLP | Blocked by police |
| BLT | Blocked by terminal/Not present |
| CDM | Customs documents missing |
| COA | Container not available |
| COK | Container OK |
| COR | Container not released/Booking status |
| COU | Container unknown |
| CTV | Cancel Terminal Visit |
| DUP | Duplicate order |
| ORA | Booking already in use |
| ORN | Booking number unknown/Carrier or container lessor unknown |
| OTH | Other |
| QQQ | Conditionally accepted |
| RUB | Message has error in specified EDIland category, ie. RUB76.1 |
| BOF | Booking status |
| BON | Size/type |
| NNG | Booking number unknown |
| VES | Vessel unknown |
Can you use HCN Barge on your smartphone and tablet
Yes, you can.
Which browsers are supported?
Common browsers including Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are generally supported. The preference for optimum use is Google Chrome.
How can I set up e-mail notifications for prenotifications and/or visits?
You can subscribe to e-mail notifications for prenotifications and/or visits via the 'Preferences' tab in HCN Road.
Please note: if you use a group e-mail address, make sure you only register one colleague for these e-mails in order to avoid multiple identical notifications being delivered.
What do the figures displayed on the rotation and visit screen mean?
For example, if you see 5/50, this means: 5 handlings are linked to this rotation or visit and 50 containers are notified as the expected number to discharge. As a result, you can see that you can still link multiple handlings to this visit without exceeding the expected number to discharge.
/!\ Please note: as soon as the barge goes into operation, actual numbers are shown, for example: 2/40 = 2 containers actually loaded of a total of 40 containers prenotified for loading during this visit.
The numbers after the warning icon indicate how many containers there are issues with in the handling status.
Can I still submit the connecting seagoing vessel at terminal visit level?
No, this information is not used by the terminals. This may change in the future.
How do I add barge operators?
Go to the rotation and add one or more barge operators under the 'Cargo declarant' tab.
If a prenotification is conditionally accepted by the terminal, what can I and can’t I do with this prenotification?
You can do everything with this prenotification; for example, you can modify or cancel it.
Should the voyage number be unique or only in combination with the call ID?
There is no validation of whether the voyage number is unique.
Is there an Excel upload for uploading handlings in HCN Barge?
No, it doesn't exist.
If a terminal does not support editing of prenotifications, what can I do in our own planning system?
You must cancel the prenotification and then submit a new prenotification.
View the Functionality Matrix to see whether the terminal supports a modification message.
If a terminal does not support cancellation of prenotifications, what can I do in our own planning system?
Submit a cancel. MCA Barge will process it so that it is visible as 'cancelled' in the MCA Barge web screen. Towards the terminal side, a manual action is required. Contact the relevant terminal. For details, see the “Functionality Matrix – Hinterland”
How quickly are prenotifications/status requests processed?
The processing time varies depending on the terminal and the moment in time; it is partly dependent on the number of messages to be processed at any one time.
In addition, if you submit a modified prenotification or status request, it will not be forwarded to the terminal until the terminal has replied to the previous prenotification or status request. In short, by repeatedly submitting a status request/prenotification, you can create a queue for yourself.
I have submitted a prenotification from our planning system. Can I then submit a new prenotification and/or status request?
If you submit a new prenotification with the same combination, the prenotification will be rejected.
A prenotification may occur only once with the combination of:
A status request can be submitted multiple times; however, once is enough to receive ongoing changes to the handling status.
What is a BTM call (visit)?
Barge Transferium Maasvlakte (BTM) is a collaboration between Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) and a consortium of inland terminals and barge operators.
As part of this collaboration, ECT makes a section of quay with a crane and crane team available to the consortium on set days and times at a fixed rate.
The barge operators themselves are responsible for the planning and in mutual consultation, the participating parties determine when and how often they want to moor alongside the quay.
How can I add my fixed window to HCN Barge?
The terminal with which you have arranged the fixed window will record this agreement in HCN Barge.
How do I select a fixed window in HCN Barge?
First of all, you must have a fixed window agreement with one or more terminals.
Furthermore, the terminal must have added the fixed window to the service HCN Barge.
Is this the case for both? Then you are able to select your fixed window in the ‘Fixed window’ field when creating a barge visit.
Having trouble capturing screenshots with the mouseover popups or so called tool tips showing?
Use the free Gadwin Printscreen: http://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/
Why does it sometimes take so long before I get a response to my prenotification(s) from a terminal?
The speed with which status requests and prenotifications are answered depends on several factors. The sending and processing of status requests and prenotifications involves a series of actions by different parties. Things can sometimes go wrong at various points in that chain. The aim is to keep problems to a minimum.
Most prenotifications and status requests from carriers/operators are processed via the Portbase platform and sent to the terminal within seconds.
Nevertheless, sometimes malfunctions do occur, or there may be maintenance to the services. In that case, Portbase will get to work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At status.portbase.com you can see the status of the various Portbase services. On that page you can also subscribe to notifications, so that you are always kept up to date. It is reassuring to know that the Portbase (PCS) system has an uptime of 99.8%.
Most terminals use an EDI connection. After EDI messages are received from Portbase, they must be read out processed in the terminal system, and finally a response message needs to be returned to Portbase. Delays may occur in all these steps – especially when demands on processing capacity are at their highest, for example on Friday afternoons. At peak times like this, large volumes of EDI messages are sent and delays can occur.
API links are the future and may represent an improvement in this regard. The first terminals are now working with API links.
Terminals can also unexpectedly run into malfunctions or require maintenance of their systems. In such cases, terminals will work to solve the issue as quickly as possible and will inform their customers and users themselves.
Hauliers can make use of a system link between their planning system (TMS) and the Portbase (PCS) system; delays or malfunctions can also occur in these systems.
System links via EDI will eventually be phased out. API is the future and offers much faster information transfer. Ask your software vendor about the options for working with API.
As we have seen, delays can occur at different times and in different steps in the process. Please contact the Portbase Service Desk if you have reason to believe you are experiencing an unusually long delay during prenotification. You can do so by calling +31 (0)88 625 25 25 or by e-mailing servicedesk@portbase.com
Can I still add my container to the Barge when the status is in operation?
Unfortunately it is no longer possible to add containers when the barge is under the crane / status in operation.
Why doesn’t the visit status change to “in operation” at the right time?
It is possible for the status of a visit to change to “in operation” well after the loading/discharging activities of that visit have begun or ended. The underlying signal for the status change in HCN Barge is the first gate-in/gate-out notification the terminal sends to Portbase for the barge visit in question. When the gate-in/gate-out confirmation is sent or processed at a later time, it gives a skewed impression of the actual operation's progress.
Why does my barge visit still show the status “in operation”?
The terminal confirms each visit as “completed” once handling has been finished. The terminal operator must do this manually. If the terminal has not (yet) confirmed completion, the visit will continue to display the status “in operation”. For the time being, this does not present a problem. When we begin supporting integral planning by Nextlogic, however, this issue will become important.
If I delete a prenotification of the visit in my own planning system, what happens?
MCA Barge sends a cancellation of the prenotification to the terminal. A status request is then sent to the terminal. It can be found as a separate status request in the web screen under the Handlings -> "Detached handlings" tab.
If you link the prenotification to another visit, MCA Barge will send a cancellation of the prenotification to the terminal. A new prenotification will then be sent to the terminal of the new visit. It will be available under "Handlings" of the new visit.
You will continue to receive updates of the handling status, if the terminal supports them. For details, see the “Functionality Matrix – Hinterland”.
