ABSTRACT
Port community systems (PCS) are technological platforms that integrate different stakeholders in port operations and maritime transport by giving support and managing information exchanges associated with the main port operations and administrative procedures. Maritime rail integration is vital to progress in European transport policy towards a more sustainable and co-modal transport model and also in the maritime industry. A detailed analysis of the processes and associated information flows in maritime-rail import and export operations made it possible to define a standard framework for compiling and organising the main information exchanges between different stakeholders. The pilot tests performed in Madrid dry port with the support of the port community system of the Port of Valencia conclude that significant benefits can be gained by implementing the general framework proposed. These benefits include service quality improvement and cost reductions in maritime-rail operations in dry ports and seaport terminals.
