BTS now obligatory for container barges in the Port of Antwerp

BTS comprises a free internet application that can be used by barge operators to give advance notice of their arrival at a terminal, request a time slot or pass other information on to the terminal operator. The system provides a uniform procedure instead of lots of bilateral agreements between terminal operators and container barge operators.

For the terminal operators this leads to better planning of the loading and unloading activities, while for the barge operators it results in shorter waiting times and more efficient management of the sailing schedules. In addition it permits more efficient traffic management in the port in general and thus also greater safety. Finally it always ensures up-to-date information and can be used to consult lock schedules.

At the moment the system is only available to container barges, and is now obligatory for them. However there is great interest in expanding it to other forms of barge transport in future.