Dutch logistics provider Verbrugge International BV has selected Konecranes’ software solutions to enhance operations across its three locations in the Netherlands. The agreement, finalized in November 2023, encompasses Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) for both containerized and non-containerized cargo activities, with implementation scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
Verbrugge opted for Konecranes to streamline port and inland terminal operations, covering dry bulk, general cargo, RoRo, project cargo, and container handling. TOS facilitates the regulation of cargo movement, storage, and asset utilization in real time, leading to increased productivity and overall operational efficiency.
Despite the prevalence of containerization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights that approximately 80% of maritime trade remains non-containerized. This underscores the complexity of operations at multipurpose terminals.
Verbrugge International BV CFO Carlo Broeren explained the decision, stating, “We are facing the challenges of automating our terminals, which have different and complex systems running to manage all operations. Instead of relying on building an in-house system, we investigated the market for a best-in-class software solution and chose the software solution from Konecranes.”
Konecranes’ TOS, including CommTrac and Autostore, provides Verbrugge International with multi-cargo handling capabilities for seamless management accessible from anywhere at any time. David Trueman, Managing Director for Konecranes’ TBA Doncaster software unit in Port Solutions, expressed satisfaction, saying, “We’re pleased to have Verbrugge as our first CommTrac customer in mainland Europe.”
In addition to TOS integration, the companies have agreed to integrate Konecranes’ software solutions with Verbrugge’s finance systems and real-time data sources like weighbridges. This pioneering integration is expected to introduce operational efficiencies across Verbrugge’s entire cargo portfolio, marking a significant advancement in port industry digitalization.
