Kotug International and Marana set up Joint Venture PortX
Kotug International established a new Joint Venture with Marana, called PortX Holding
BV, based in Rotterdam. Under the name OptiPort, the JV will provide optimization
solutions for in-port vessel operations (like towing, bunkering and similar
activities). Global resources and expertise of Kotug International and the maritime data
modelling and integration expertise of Marana will be combined. Both Kotug and Marana
will own 50% of the shares in the new venture.
OptiPort is a unique and game changing optimization solution for the global nautical services industry. It
has the capabilities to dramatically improve dispatch operations and brings autonomous sailing of tugs
and bunker vessels one step closer.
OptiPort dynamically cost-optimizes the utilization of nautical assets, based on the applicable work
schedule, weather and tide influences, but also crewing schedules. Besides planning capabilities, OptiPort
has a cloud based reporting solution for assistance reporting and analytics (like commercial and
operational analysis). The application is based on the latest developments in machine learning, data
science and data analytics.
PortX will capitalize on Kotug’s strong reputation as innovation leader in the international towage market
and on Marana’s strength in maritime optimization software solutions. “This agreement represents each
organization’s strong commitment to provide customers with a single source for the best in port vessel
optimization,” commented Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of Kotug International.
After an extensive period of testing, the first OptiPort dispatch optimization solution is about to go live in
Rotterdam. The port is known to be one of the most complex, diversified and busy ports in the world.
“Our aim in Rotterdam is to achieve a significant reduction in the number of mobilization miles,
subsequent fuel reduction and carbon emissions by smarter dispatching tugs to vessels”, commented
Vincent van Os, Managing Director of Marana. “The dispatch solution is an applied big-data solution,
which seamlessly integrates available data sources, like port management data, agency information and
actual vessel positions, this integration allows us to provide the most optimal schedule for any given
situation in the port.”
