(pressebox) (Amsterdam, 22.09.2010) Jacques Ritt, Chief Executive Office of SOGET; Alan Long, Managing Director of MCP; Santiago Mila, Chief Executive Officer of PORTIC, Iwan der Wolf, Chief Executive Officer of PORTBASE and Reimund Ott, Chief Executive Officer of dbh launched today in Amsterdam the European Port Community System Association (EPCSA).

Headquartered in Brussels, EPCSA mission is to influence public policy in the European Union level in order to achieve e-logistics throughout all European ports, operating as a key element of the EU maritime, shipping and logistics industry.

EPCSA objectives are to ensure that the importance of Port Community Systems Operators is recognized in the EU and its Member States and that the sector is consulted substantively on any measure likely to affect it; to ensure that European Port Community Systems operators play their full part in delivering e-freight all over Europe; to promote the highest possible standards in European Port Community Systems and to encourage all European ports communities to be proactive in PCS development.

EPCSA structure is composed of an executive committee for daily policy making body and technical committees on technology and standards, applications, customs and others governmental agencies, legal, international affairs and research.

The launch of EPCSA - symbol of a strategic cooperation between the leading PCS operators - marks the beginning of public-private cooperation to achieve e-logistics all over European Ports.

About MCP:

MCP plc - the Destin8 port community system (PCS) handles and processes huge volumes of data and information relating to international trade - collecting, storing, exchanging and distributing it among and between almost 750 companies and Government Agencies involved in international trade and transport.

Destin8 operates in 17 UK ports and 50+ inland clearance locations representing some 75% of UK container throughput and a major proportion of general (non-unitised) cargo. It provides for the electronic exchange of information between all port sectors, including Shipping Lines/Agents, Port Authorities, Terminal Operators, Customs and other Government Agencies, Clearing Agents/Customs Brokers and road and rail hauliers/operators. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is used extensively.

MCP plc is also heavily involved in assisting and promoting trade facilitation through involvement with organisations such as SITPRO in the UK and internationally at the World Customs Organisation, the International Association of Ports and Harbours and the UN, as well as undertaking consultancy projects in this field.

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About PORTBASE

Portbase - home of logistics intelligence

Portbase is the neutral and reliable hub for all logistics information in the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Via Portbase's port-transcending Port Community System, companies can benefit from a multitude of intelligent services for simple and efficient information exchange, both between companies and between the public and private sector. This enables all the participants to optimise their logistics processes, thereby improving their own competitive position and that of the ports. Portbase belongs to and serves the port community and is a non-profit organisation.

Wide support

Portbase was created by a merger between Rotterdam's Port infolink (est. 2002) and Amsterdam's PortNET (est. 2000). The new organisation was set up in 2009 by the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Port of Amsterdam and enjoys wide support amongst the port business community. Its aim is to make the logistics chains of the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam as attractive as possible by offering a one-stop-shop for logistic information exchange. Portbase hopes to become the national Port Community System within the foreseeable future. It also wants to play a key role in port-related logistics networks both in the Netherlands and abroad. To this end, the organisation combines knowledge of the ports with ICT know-how in an atmosphere of personal co-operation.

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About PORTIC :

Headquartered in Barcelona, PORTIC is the Port Community System Operator in Barcelona and a private partnership between the Port Community of Barcelona, Port Authortiy of Barcelona, Financial Institutions ( "La Caixa", Banc Sabadell) and Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona. PORTIC PCS is in operation in Barcelona. PORTIC has also developed PCS in Alexandria (Egypt) and Buenos Aires (Argentina).

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About SOGET:

Headquartered in Le Havre, France, SOGET is the leading Port Community System Operator in France and a public-private partnership between the Port Community of Le Havre, Port of Le Havre Authority and French Customs. SOGET PCS is in operation throughout French ports as well as overseas.

SOGET is a recognized expert by the European Commission, International Association of Port and Harbors, United Nation, World Customs Organization, Caribbean Law Enforcement Council, Organization of American States, International Association of Ports and Cities, World Bank, Inter- American Development Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Bank.

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Über dbh Logistics IT AG: dbh's core competence is the combination of logistics and IT know-how.

As an international software and consulting company, dbh Logistics IT AG offers ideal solutions in the areas of customs clearance and export control, freight forwarding, SAP®-Consulting and port community systems.

Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, dbh employs 120 members of staff. With over 35 years of IT experience dbh serves its clients as a competent partner dbh supports with long-standing expertise in national and international projects on innovative developments in the IT environment and is a competent partner for research, economy and public authorities in the field of customs, ports and logistics.

www.dbh.de