Berth Visit

Step 1Agent Attendance

Acts as the vessel’s coordinator for formalities, services, permits, and communications. Consolidates interfaces with the port authority, terminal, customs, and vendors. Tracks deadlines for free pratique, waste notifications, immigration, and security. Escalates issues and rebooks services when plans change. The purpose is a single accountable owner for administrative flow. Effective agency work prevents paperwork delays from impacting the critical path.

Step 2Bunkering & Lub Oil

Delivers fuel and lubricants under strict safety and pollution controls. Operations are scheduled alongside or at dedicated locations to avoid conflicts with cargo. Scuppers, SOPEP readiness, hot-work restrictions, and terminal permits are coordinated. Sampling and documentation provide quality and compliance assurance. The purpose is fuel readiness for onward legs without delaying cargo work. Performance is measured by safe completion, zero spills, and on-time finish.

Step 3Provisions

Supplies food, water, spares, and consumables to support the vessel and crew. Access routes comply with terminal safety rules and crane exclusion zones, and timing avoids peak movements. Quality checks and customs declarations apply where required. The agent synchronizes deliveries with security and gangway control. The purpose is crew welfare and technical readiness without disrupting cargo operations. Completion is recorded in the ship’s service checklist.

Step 4Waste Disposal

Removes ship-generated waste, sludge, and residues in accordance with MARPOL and port regulations. Pre-notification, correct segregation, and use of licensed contractors are required. Waste handling is kept separate from cargo and food operations for hygiene and safety. Documentation certifies lawful disposal and quantities removed. The purpose is environmental compliance and quay hygiene. Performance is defined by zero spills and full traceability.

Related Research Problems

Key port-call optimization problems relevant to berth visit operations.
Click on a card to open the webpage and data sets for each research problem.

Berth Allocation

  • Assign vessels to berths while balancing utilization, priorities and time windows.

Quay-Crane Scheduling

  • Schedule quay cranes to meet handling targets while respecting vessel windows and yard constraints.

Tug & Pilot Assignment

  • Assign tugs and pilots to vessels while minimising idle steaming and conflicts.

Execution Party

Below, the main companies involved in the execution of berth visit operations are listed.

Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT Delta, Euromax)

  • One of Europe’s largest container terminals. Executes vessel loading/unloading, yard/stack management, and gate operations.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II

  • Fully automated container terminal; handles container discharge/load, AGVs, cranes, and yard operations.

Vopak Vlaardingen / Botlek

  • Liquid bulk terminals (oils, chemicals, biofuels). Execute berthing, product transfer, storage, and safety monitoring.

Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) – Rotterdam branch

  • Vehicle & multipurpose terminal handling cars, RoRo, breakbulk, and containers. Executes stevedoring and yard management.

Planning Party

Below, the main companies involved in planning berth visit operations are listed.

Port of Rotterdam Authority

  • Oversees berth allocation, nautical safety, and traffic planning during the vessel stay.

ECT Planning

  • Allocates quay cranes, yard slots, and truck/rail interfaces for ECT terminals.

Maersk Terminal Planning

  • Plans quay allocation, crane sequences, and delivery schedules for APM Terminals Maasvlakte II.

Available Data

Free, real-time data sources and official guidance used in berth visit operations in Rotterdam.
Data Source Description
Port of Rotterdam — Bunkering in Rotterdam
Last update:
Overview of operations, licensing, supervision, and process notes for safe, efficient fueling.
Version: Free (public)
Forms & Checklists (Sea Shipping)
Last update:
Official checklists for bunkering and ship–shore transfer (ISGOTT 6), plus de-bunkering request/checklist.
Version: Free (public)
De-bunkering Safety Checklist (PDF)
Last update:
Step-by-step controls for safely off-loading fuel at berth.
Version: Free (PDF)
Ships’ Waste (Port Reception Facilities)
Last update:
How to dispose of ship-generated waste under MARPOL at designated facilities.
Version: Free (public)
Port Waste Reception & Handling Plan 2023–2028 (PDF)
Last update:
Plan, categories, and approved contractors for ship waste management.
Version: Free (PDF)
Shore Power in Rotterdam (Overview)
Last update:
Current on-shore power (OPS) availability and rollout updates.
Version: Free (public)
Shore Power — Parkkade Instructions (PDF)
Last update:
Connection, activation, and billing info for OPS at Parkkade.
Version: Free (PDF)
Evides — Drinking Water for Shipping
Last update:
Official water-boat service supplying potable water across the port area.
Version: Free (public)
ECT Euromax — Safety & Security Rules (PDF)
Last update:
Visitor registration, PPE, driving and hot-work/permit expectations.
Version: Free (PDF)
APM Terminals MVII — Safety Information
Last update:
Mandatory induction for visitors/contractors and site safety requirements.
Version: Free (public)
Rotterdam World Gateway — ISPS & Safety (PDF)
Last update:
Terminal security, permits, and restricted-area guidance for ship services.
Version: Free (PDF)
LNG in Rotterdam
Last update:
LNG availability and bunkering context for alternative-fuel calls alongside.
Version: Free (public)
Description of Versions

Free (public): The content is publicly accessible on the website without login or payment.

Free (PDF): The resource is a downloadable PDF (static document) that is free to download and read.