Electronic reporting
Transport notification
If you are starting a new voyage to or from North Sea Port, you will need to electronically notify North Sea Port of your transport. If you have previously submitted a transport notification, that information will be mostly automatically transmitted to us as soon as you enter our port area.
You can use various software packages for transport notifications. You can use the following to make notifications (now or in the near future):
- RiverGuide
- BICS (inland navigation information and communication system)
- ContainerPlanner (Autena Software)
- Navigis (Tresco)
- Periskal Inland ECDIS Viewer
- UAB-Online
- Vemasys (Blue Century)
You will no longer be able to use VHF channel 78 for transport notifications as of 4 July 2022. However, you can use the familiar VHF channels to contact us about berth information. Check the table below to see which VHF channels you can use.
Who do I contact for berth allocation?
For berth allocation, please contact:
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VHF channel 5 |
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VHF channel 11 |
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You can moor independently where the signs indicate that this is permitted. For berths at transhipment companies, you should contact those companies yourself. Information about berths at Terneuzen can be viewed via berth information or by asking the North Sea Port Field Service : +31 (0)115 647 588. |
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VHF channel 9 |
Frequently asked questions about ‘electronic reporting for inland shipping’
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You can use various software options to submit electronic notifications. Available options include RiverGuide and BICS.
Which systems can I use to submit an electronic report?
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You need to enter your voyage and cargo information before you leave North Sea Port, or before you enter the port area.
When do I need to make an electronic report?
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You only need to digitally enter and submit all the details once for each new voyage – unless your situation changes during the voyage, in which case you can send an update with the amended information. For example, if anyone embarks or disembarks.
Do I have to keep updating my data?
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In 2024/2025, digital reporting of all shipping will become a requirement under EU law. Many vessel types are already required to make digital reports for safety reasons.
Why do I need to submit a digital report to North Sea Port?
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At the request of the inland navigation sector, North Sea Port is investing in generic reporting systems that are also used by other port and waterway authorities. This means that North Sea Port does not have its own separate reporting system for inland navigation. Simply use the system that best suits you.
Is there a different reporting system at each port?
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Yes. In case of transit from outside Terneuzen to Evergem, an electronic report in IVS Next is sufficient. If you are coming from the south (e.g. Evergem), you can submit a report to Vlaamse Waterweg.
Do I need to submit an electronic report if I am just passing through?
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North Sea Port receives reports when vessels enter the port area and berth at quays. In the event of an emergency, we use the information we have and pass it to the emergency services, for example regarding cargo and persons on board. If we do not have this data, it will reduce our ability to inform and respond adequately, and the emergency services will have to base their strategy on their own observations.
What happens if I do not submit an electronic report?
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You can already create the electronic report when you are berthed. The report can then be sent as soon as internet is available again.
What should I do if there is no internet?
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No, there are already many skippers who are required to make electronic reports. These skippers do not receive a discount either. North Sea Port is striving for maximum uniformity.
Do I get a discount because I have to do the registration myself?
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No. VHF78 is completely closed. Traffic channel VHF11 in Ghent remains available, as does the port information channel VHF5. For Vlissingen, traffic channel VHF 9 is open.
Can I still use VHF78 for other questions?n?
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You can find information that is necessary and useful during your voyage to and stay at North Sea Port on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please send an email to barges@northseaport.com.
Other questions?
Contact
If you have any questions about submitting an electronic report of your voyage, please contact North Sea Port using the contact form:
Electronic reporting compulsory
Barge operators are required to notify the port and waterway authorities of their voyages, in order to ensure optimum safety on the water. There is already an electronic reporting requirement for various vessel and transport types such as container and tanker shipping and other transport of dangerous goods.
Uniform and simple across borders
North Sea Port strives to make the reporting process as simple and uniform as possible for the entire inland navigation sector. This is why we have opted for notification by means of electronic registration. This also brings North Sea Port into line with current developments in Europe to make electronic reporting as simple and easy as possible.
Benefits of electronic reporting
You only need to digitally enter all the data once at the start of the voyage. After that, the data for this single trip is mostly automatically forwarded to all the waterway and port authorities you will encounter throughout your voyage.
Facilities
North Sea Port offers various facilities throughout the port area to make a ship’s passage and stay in the port as comfortable as possible.
For example, we provide current berth information by means of an interactive map. There is also an overview of where various shore power boxes and drinking water facilities are.