Air Cargo Belgium and NxtPort are to work together on multimodal solutions to connect air and sea cargo transport.

Companies transporting freight by sea frequently use airfreight as well, and much of the logistics including customs formalities are the same however the freight is transported, and the partnership is designed to make transporting cargo at the harbour and airport more efficient and less expensive.

NxtPort brings the harbour community together around a unique data platform that stimulates logistics and technology innovation in Flemish ports, while Air Cargo Belgium sees BRUcargo pioneering with the digital platform BRUcloud.

NxtPort chief executive officer, Daniel Lievens says though there are differences between sea and air transport, there are similarities.

He says: “Both logistics and mobility require innovative multimodal solutions. Since the Flemish ports and the national airport, Brussels Airport, share the same cargo customers, companies are looking for efficiency and cost savings.”

“Many of the logistics processes are largely the same, such as customs procedures for goods that must travel the airport and harbours for import and export. If we find ways to make the process more efficient and less time-intensive, everyone wins.”

Air Cargo Belgium chairman, Steven Polmans says: “If we share our knowledge and expertise through an innovative platform, we create a bridge between the sea and air transport industries. Our collaboration will strengthen Flanders’ position as a regional leader in innovation and logistics.”

“We want to work towards offering more support and a larger market for digital solutions, and involve other links to the logistics chain.”

“Both NxtPort and Air Cargo Belgium have each held constructive talks with the customs authorities, and I can imagine that the authorities themselves will want to find ways to simplify their own procedures in cooperation with the industry.”