APM Terminal launches two APIs to provide real-time data at its hubs

APM Terminal (APMT) has launched two additional APIs and increased the number of terminals providing real-time data at its hubs. The company believes that if other supply chain partners followed its lead, it could significantly improve the competitiveness of the catchment areas supported by its terminals. APMT has already offered APIs to monitor vessel schedules and plan and monitor import and export containers since last year. With the launch of an Empty Container Returns API earlier in March 2021, containers passing through APMT facilities can be followed in real-time throughout the complete terminal cycle.
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam and SFCT in Miami have also started feeding the company’s APIs with real-time data this month, bringing the total number of terminals to 13, and plans to add further terminals throughout this year. APIs enable customers’ own logistics or transport management tools to be fed with data from APM Terminals Terminal Operating System (TOS).
David Francis, Head of Digital Products, APM Terminals, said, “Local economies could benefit significantly more if this type of technology was available for all supply chain modalities across a region or beyond. This would involve aggregating data not only from APM Terminals APIs, but from all transport modalities, into a single regional system, to provide complete end-to-end visibility.
With APIs based on common industry-wide standards, they provide the perfect platform for this. Whilst this could potentially take decades to achieve at national or even international level, starting with the regional industrial area supported by a container terminal would be more manageable, as local governance or trade bodies can normally react more quickly.”