Amsterdam’s Smart Cargo Mainport Programme (SCMP) is a massive undertaking to develop new ways to optimise cargo flows through the airport. It comprises six broad tracks: infrastructure; capacity; logistics means; chain optimisation; digitalisation; compliance; and sustainability.
Each is set to spawn a number of projects and involves a lot of participants, from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dutch Customs and port community service provider Cargonaut, Air Cargo Netherlands (which represents the different stakeholders across the air cargo community) and KLM, to academic institutions. Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) embodies this spirit and supports the SCMP. It is an air cargo chain-wide industry association representing all parts, from handlers and forwarders to service providers. The association also represents the air cargo community in Amsterdam and acts as one voice in dealings with the authorities and the public. To support its case, it also asked Erasmus University to create an air cargo monitor, which is updated annually, giving the latest figures on the size of the industry, its contribution to the Dutch economy, the number of jobs and other pertinent data.
A recent project that illustrates the collaboration is the development of the Paperless Goods Tracking System, which was prompted by changes in European legislation. It covers the movement of goods between first and second line sheds at Schiphol. The new system allows the transfer of goods between parties without a flow of paperwork to Customs at every step. This facilitates work for the companies involved and saves the Customs agency time, said a report.
Source : Various Agencies