Thread by @remkorteweg

Great thread on the Kent permit.

Now how does it work on the other side of the North Sea?

/1

https://twitter.com/AnnaJerzewska/status/1309460999574089728

The Port of Rotterdam (incl ferries at Hook of Holland and Vlaardingen) uses its @Portbase system as a “digital border”.

For export to UK, it’s mandatory to pre-notify all customs documents through this system. Before arriving at the Port.

portbase.com/en/services/no…

/2

Everything is digital. It’s all online. Of course.

For past 2 years (!!) Port, NL government, Customs, export agencies, logistics folks have been working with their counterparts across EU27 to ensure relevant haulers across EU27 know about the system.

/3

Most regular/frequent users of the Port are up to speed, but how to reach those across EU27 that are first-time users of the Port?

Not the regulars, but the newbies. That's their main worry.

/4

Yes, there’s a risk some trucks show up without the mandatory pre-notification.

What happens then?

Simple: No access to terminal + delays

/5

I was mistaken yesterday when I said there will be fines for those who haven’t filled in their paperwork.

I now understand there won’t be.

But truckers without pre-notification will be delayed.

https://twitter.com/remkorteweg/status/1309050624902914049

/6

But here’s the thing.

Rotterdam processes around 3000 trucks per day; More than 700 extra parking spots have been created at ferry terminals.

So there is room to park 23% of the daily rate.

/7

Dover processes 10.000 trucks per day. Eurotunnel approx. 4500.

And Michael Gove expects queues of up to 7000 trucks.

Or about 50% of those crossing the Channel will need to be parked.

/8

Port of Rotterdam proves there are ways to do this without creating a Kermit Permit.

So in UK, is it a problem of geography—cliffs make tight parking spots?

Or could poor preparedness for the decision the British people took 4 years ago be the problem?

/9

p.s. Sorry for the GIFs, it's Friday afternoon.

/N