Currently Port Authorities provide their customers such as shipping and transhipment companies with specific information including arrival times and the position of ships. This frequently occurs at the request of customers, but it is a time-consuming and a non-automated process that can lead to miscommunication and delays. Due to the lack of an open standard the exchange of information has been a costly process.

With IVEF (Inter VTS Exchange Format) HITT takes the forefront with standardizing port information. Use of the same information by port authorities and subscribers reduces the chances of miscommunication and enables safer and more efficient traffic management. This open standard, which is the basis for communication software, is developed in collaboration with the other major suppliers in this market.

The released software simplifies the processing of data significantly. Access to information is restricted by legislation and the permissions granted by the owner of the data. With this open standard, HITT has already successfully established exchange of information between parties such as the Dutch Coast Guard, all major Dutch VTS centres, the offshore industry and pilots.

By exchanging information, planning and operational processes of various parties in the port can be harmonized. Simultaneously the competitiveness of the port is strengthened by meeting the requirements for speed, flexibility and cost efficiency. Collaboration between organisations and sharing of information is the core of future improvements in the field of new exploitation forms, environmental load and safety performance of all companies in ports. Read more about the technical background here.